Ventral thoracic meningiomas are rare entities in which the spinal cord is attenuated and draped over the meningioma symmetrically. This is a challenging surgical entity compared to typical intradural meningiomas, which nearly always eccentrically displace the cord. In these more common meningiomas, surgical access is fairly straightforward as the meningioma is often visualized upon opening the meninges. Resection can be more safely performed with the cord largely shifted. In cases of ventral meningioma, the tumor is hidden ventral to the spinal cord, and techniques to safely mobilize the spinal cord must be utilized. We demonstrate that an entirely posterior approach allows complete resection of a ventrally situated mass. After careful identification and sectioning of the dentate ligament at multiple levels on the right side of the canal, we then suture and rotate the dentate ligament at each site, thereby allowing progressive visualization of the ventral meningioma. A narrow, but viable, working corridor to the tumor allows safe debulking. Once it is felt that the tumor can no longer be safely excised through the created corridor, we then disconnect our dentate sutures and move to the other side of the canal. Similarly, the dentate is sectioned and sutured so that the contralateral aspect of the meningioma can be visualized and debulked. The tumor can then be safely removed. A standard posterior approach and midline durotomy allows this bilateral approach to a ventrally situated meningioma and, therefore, in our mind, represents a safe and also highly effective road to resection. Patient consent was obtained prior to publication.
Keywords: Meningioma; Spine tumor; Thoracic spine surgery; Thoracic tumor.
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