A combined thoracoscopic and posterior-spinal approach for "dumbbell" neurofibroma minimizes the anatomical destruction of the vertebrae: report of a case.

A dumbbell-shaped neurogenic tumor was resected using a combined approach employing a thoracoscopic procedure and limited laminectomy. The part of the tumor at the thoracic cavity was first amputated at the orifice of the foramen and then removed. Part of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen was then removed by means of limited laminectomy without facetectomy. As a result, surgery was performed with a minimum of surgical stress and the patient did not require vertebral instrumentation.