Ependymoma of the Filum Terminale, Technical Operative Note

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord tumors represent 2-4% of all CNS tumors. Ependymomas are the most frequent lesions of the spinal cord1. Gross total resection remains the gold standard2. Method: We describe the mini-invasive surgical technique using a fixed tubular retractor performed for the resection of an ependymoma of the filum terminale, along with its advantages and limits. Conclusion: This mini-invasive technique has shown to be safe and effective for the resection of filum terminale ependymoma, with a good impact on postoperative pain and less risks of CSF leak, which is probably secondary to a limited dead space.