Efficacy analysis of percutaneous cannulated paravertebral approach for microscopic resection of intraspinal schwannomas: A case series.

The present study aimed to describe the surgical technique and to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a percutaneous cannulated paravertebral approach for microscopic resection of intraspinal schwannomas. A retrospective case series analysis was conducted using clinical data from six patients treated between January 2019 and December 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, tumor location, operative parameters and follow-up outcomes were reviewed and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The mean operative time was 130.8±32.9 min (range, 100-190 min), the mean intraoperative blood loss was 60±32.2 ml (range, 30-100 ml) and the mean length of hospital stay was 10.5±2.0 days (range, 8-12 days). In the present small cohort gross total resection was confirmed on postoperative imaging. During a follow-up period of 38-60 months, subjective improvement in presenting symptoms was reported, with no radiological evidence of tumor recurrence or clinically apparent spinal instability. As a consequence, the percutaneous cannulated paravertebral approach may be technically feasible in selected patients with small, single-level intraspinal schwannomas.