Combined thoracotomy and laminectomy for spinal cavernomas with intrathoracic growth.

Dumbbell shaped epidural cavernomas are uncommon lesions. Of these, the extraforaminal extension is usually limited, and the lesions are removed surgically by an extended laminectomy. We present two cases of dumbbell shaped epidural cavernomas with a considerable intrathoracic growth. They were resected through a combined thoracotomy and laminectomy. Only in the case in which a wide approach to the posterior mediastinum was performed it was possible to completely remove the lesion. Since it is possible to anticipate this histological diagnosis by the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, we propose that a wide transthoracic approach should be performed associated to a laminectomy if a complete resection of the lesion is the goal.