Minimally Invasive Treatment for a Sacral Tarlov Cyst Through Tubular Retractors.

Publication Type	Case Report
Authors	Del Castillo-Calcáneo J, Navarro-Ramírez R, Nakhla J, Kim E, Härtl R
Journal	World Neurosurg
Volume	108
Pagination	993.e9-993.e11
Date Published	09/07/2017
ISSN	1878-8769
Keywords	Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures, Tarlov Cysts
Abstract	BACKGROUND: Tarlov cysts (TC) are focal dilations of arachnoid and dura mater of the spinal posterior nerve root sheath that appear as cystic lesions of the nerve roots typically in the lower spine, especially in the sacrum, which can cause radicular symptoms when they increase in size and compress the nerve roots. Different open procedures have been described to treat TCs, but no minimally invasive procedures have been described to effectively address this pathology. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-year-old woman presented with right lower extremity pain and weakness. A magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a lumbosacral TC that protruded through the right L5-S1 foramina. Through a small laminotomy, cyst drainage followed by neck ligation using a Scanlan modified technique through tubular retractors was performed. The patient recovered full motor function within the first days postoperatively and showed no signs of relapse at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive spine surgery through tubular retractors can be safely performed for successful excision and ligation of TC using a Scanlan modified technique.
DOI	10.1016/j.wneu.2017.08.190
PubMed ID	28890008