Microsurgical resection of spinal intradural extramedullary tumors by hemi-semi-laminectomy

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of treating spinal intradural extramedullary tumors through hemi-semi-laminectomy approach with preservation of the vertebral plate and bone bridge.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients treated in our department from May 2009 to April 2012 through either hemi-semi-laminectomy （n =33） or traditional approach （half laminectomy or total laminectomy） （n =40） for spinal intradural extramedullary tumors.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,days of hospitalization,hospital costs,surgical complications and clinical outcomes were compared between these two groups.Results Although there was no significant difference between two groups in operation time and incidences of surgical complication （P 〉 0.05）,the hemi-semi-laminectomy was featured by reduced intraoperative blood loss,days of hospitalization and total hospital costs （P 〈 0.05）.Moreover,in addition to earlier postoperative ambulation,patients in the hemi-semi-laminectomy group also required shorter recovery time.Conclusions By making full use of the available anatomical space and better preserving the bony structure of the spinal column,hemi-semi-laminectomy seemed to be a safe and more favorable surgical approach in selected patients with spinal intradural extramedullary tumors occupying between two vertebral plates. Key words: Microsurgery;  Hemi - laminectomy ;  Hemi - semi - laminectomy ;  Intraduralextramedullary tumor