Endoscope-assisted posterior approach for the resection of ventral intradural spinal cord tumors: report of two cases.

We report our experience with the removal of ventral intradural spinal tumors through a posterior approach with the assistance of an endoscope. The endoscope allowed us to remove the tumor with minimal retraction of the spinal cord and to inspect for involvement of structures that were difficult to visualize with the microscope. Moreover, it obviated the use of a more involved anterior approach. This is the second report of the utilization of the endoscope for removal of intradural spinal cord tumors. Our data are discussed in the context of prior reported morphometric studies involving the spinal cord and expand the indications for the endoscope.