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Minimally invasive intraspinal synovial cyst resection associated with reduce blood loss
When researchers investigated 13 cases of minimally invasive resection of lumbar intraspinal synovial cysts performed via a contralateral approach, they reported there was excellent exposure of the cysts. In their study, they noted the procedure spares the facet joint at the involved level.
Researchers assessed 13 patients with a symptomatic lumbar intraspinal synovial cyst who underwent a minimally invasive excision of the cyst via a contralateral approach. The investigators performed physical and neurological examinations on the patients, took dynamic radiographs and MR images of the lumbar spine and obtained the preoperative VAS scores. They then followed the patients for 20.8 months ± 16.9 months, on average.
This technique can preserve the integrity of the facet joints unlike an ipsilateral minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach, they noted.
The mean postoperative Macnab scores were 3.4 ± 1.0 and an excellent outcome was achieved in nine patients. One patient had a good outcome, based on the results. In addition, the preoperative VAS scores of 7.8 points decreased to 2.9 points postoperatively.
The estimated blood loss was 44 ml ± 29 ml and the average operative time was 123 minutes ± 30 minutes. Despite incidental durotomy being a possible complication of synovial cyst resection, no complications were seen in these patients.
Researchers concluded this MIS resection technique was associated with little intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.