Surgical Techniques for Managing Intradural Spinal Tumors: An Overview and Update

Background: Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in our understanding of the basics and techniques of surgical treatment for intradural tumors. However, the management which is most ideal for these lesions has remained a controversial topic. Objectives: To review previous work on the available operative options for intradural tumors with focus on both the advantages and disadvantages in each case, the outcomes and also highlight on the current trends in this aspect of spine surgery. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review of previous publications on the various techniques employed in the surgical treatment of intradural tumors. We discuss their presentation, basic concepts and practical aspects of their management with emphasis on the techniques of operative treatment. Results: Different outcomes following the application of various techniques in the surgical management of intradural spinal tumors have been well-documented in the literature. However, there are currently no algorithms to guide the surgeon on surgical care for intradural spinal tumors. The choice of which surgery to do in each case is a function of each surgeon’s philosophy, knowledge and cummulative experience as well as a clear understanding of the anatomy of the lesion in each patient, the available facilities and equipment.