Minimally invasive resection of a lumbar extradural schwannoma: how I do it.

BACKGROUND

Complete surgical resection of a foraminal lumbar schwannoma may require an extended surgical exposure and facetectomy and thus secondary instrumentation. The minimally invasive technique through the use of tubular retractors may represent a valid surgical alternative.

METHOD

We describe the resection of a foraminal lumbar schwannoma through the use of tubular retractors, along with its advantages and limitations. A limited medial facetectomy was performed and no stabilization was needed.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery is suitable for an efficient and safe resection of foraminal schwannomas and may help in avoiding stabilization when a limited facetectomy is performed.