Treatment of 14 intraspinal schwannomas with multi-point hemilaminectomy

Objective To explore the application of multi-point hemilaminectomy in microsurgical treatment of large intraspinal schwannoma. Methods Clinical data about 14 large intraspinal schwannomas undergone multi-point hemilaminectomy in January 2003-December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Results All the 14 large intraspinal schwannomas were completely removed.The patients could move about 3 days after operation and were followed up for 6-36 months during which symptoms and signs disappeared or significantly improved.No recurrence or spinal abnormality occurred. Conclusion Treatment of large intraspinal schwannoma with multi-point hemilaminectomy can reserve muscles,ligaments and bone structures at the back of spinal cord at the greatest extant with many advantages including minimal trauma,operative safety and rapid recovery,thus contributing to spinal stability.