Giant Dumbbell-Shaped Thoracic Schwannoma in an Elderly Patient Resected Through a Single-Stage Combined Laminectomy and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy: Surgical Strategy and Technical Nuances

摘要

BACKGROUND: Dumbbell-shaped schwannomas involving the spinal canal, the intervertebral foramen, and the thoracic cavity are rare lesions. Surgical treatment represents a challenge, and there is no consensus regarding ideal management. Two major surgical routes have been used: combined laminectomy and open thoracotomy or posterolateral extrapleural approach with wide bone removal. This report describes a relatively easy surgical strategy, combined laminectomy and thoracoscopy, which allows safe resection under an adequate view with low risk of spinal instability, pain, or respiratory problems.