[Clinical analysis of 542 intraspinal tumors microsurgically resected by hemilaminectomy]

To investigate the advantages, disadvantages and indications of hemilaminectomy for microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors.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.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.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.