AUTHOR=Wang Tao , Yu Hang , Zhao Shi-bin , Zhu Bin , Chen Lei , Jing Jue-hua , Tian Da-sheng 

TITLE=Complete removal of intraspinal extradural mass with unilateral biportal endoscopy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.1033856

DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2022.1033856

ISSN=2296-875X

ABSTRACT=Introduction
Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique can easily decompress the bony spinal canal and accommodate all open surgical instruments under endoscopic guidance. However, indications and reports of this technique have been limited to degenerative and infectious diseases. Methods
We used the UBE technique for decompression and removal extradural mass in 5 patients. Under endoscopic guidance, a unilateral approach was used, and decompression and flavectomy were performed. After decompression, tumor removal was performed using various forceps. We evaluated the technical process of the procedure, the patient’s pre- and postoperative symptoms and operative radiology and pathologic results.
Results
Postoperative pain and disability improved clinically for all patients. Four patients confirmed as epidural cyst, one patient diagnosed as hemangioma. During follow-up, no recurrence was observed.
Conclusions
We successfully removed five extradural mass lesions by using a biportal endoscopic posterior approach without complications. The biportal endoscopic approach may have advantages, such as minimizing trauma to the normal structures, magnified endoscopic view, and early recovery after the surgery. Biportal endoscopy may be used as an alternative surgical treatment for symptomatic intraspinal extradural benign lesions.