Microsurgical Approach in a Thoracic Meningioma in Elderly

Improved results in the treatment of intraspinal tumors have followed greater sophistication of diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques. Whereas originally tumors could be diagnosed radiologically only by bone erosion seen on radiographic films, now mielography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide precise localization. Indeed, MRI is a stand-alone diagnostic preoperative study for virtually all intradural tumors. With the advent of the operating microscope, microsurgical instruments, bipolar cautery and intraoperative ultrasonography, combined with ultrasoniccavitation devices and other techniques, surgeons can approach these tumors with greater ease.