Study design: A case report of dumbbell-shaped meningioma in the thoracic spine with cystic degeneration for which a combined posterior microscopic and anterior thoracoscopic approach was used is described.
Objectives: To report a rare case of dumbbell-shaped meningioma, and to describe a thoracoscopic surgical approach for paravertebral tumor.
Summary of background data: Dumbbell-shaped tumors arising from nerve root sheaths are very common. However, a dumbbell-shaped meningioma is relatively rare, and reports on thoracoscopic resection of dumbbell and paravertebral tumors are still very few in number.
Methods: The dumbbell meningioma was managed surgically. Because of the paravertebral tumor's intrathoracic expansion, a combined posterior and anterior approach was used. With the posterior approach, microscopic resection using hemilaminotomy was performed, whereas with the anterior approach, the thoracoscopic approach was used instead of thoracotomy.
Results: Complete resection of the tumor was performed successfully. The patient regained his functional ability to walk soon after surgery because of less pain than with thoracotomy.
Conclusions: With combined microscopic and thoracoscopic surgery, dumbbell-shaped meningioma could be completely resected. The thoracoscopic approach for the removal of a paravertebral tumor can be a good alternative to thoracotomy.