This video demonstrates the minimally invasive approach to intradural tumors using the transmuscular dilating tubes with an oblique angle to the spine and a hemilaminotomy using the high speed drill. This allows preservation of the spinous processes, inter- and supraspinous ligaments and hemilamina on the contralateral side, while not compromising the microsurgical technique required for tumor dissection, mobilization and resection. Thus, we feel that this technique offers distinct advantages to the patient through a reduction in tissue trauma with no disadvantageous implications for tumor removal.

This information has been taken from Safety and Efficacy of Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumor Removal Using a Minimally Invasive Approach, a manuscript that can be read here: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/… . It was submitted by corresponding author Richard Mannion, MBBS, PhD, FRCS, from the Department of Neurosurgery at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland, Australia.