Clinical analysis of 542 intraspinal tumors microsurgically resected by hemilaminectomy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantages, disadvantages and indications of hemilaminectomy for microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 542 cases of intraspinal tumors microsurgically resected by hemilaminectomy during the period from January 2005 to December 2008. RESULTS: The tumors were totally removed in 501 cases (92%). The average postoperative stay was 5.2 days. Postoperative follow-ups ranged from 6 months to 3 years (mean 9 months). The clinical symptoms of 495 cases (91%) improved. No tumor recurrence was reported in the totally removed cases. The stability of vertebral column was excellent and there was no spinal deformity in these patients. CONCLUSION: With many advantages of minimal trauma, milder postoperative reaction, shorter length of recovery and better spinal stabilization, hemilaminectomy can be used for microsurgical resection of all lateralized epidural, subdural-extramedullary and some benign intramedullary tumors.