Resection of a ventral intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma through an anterior cervical approach: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Although posterior myelotomy leaves patients with dorsal column deficits, few reports have explored the anterior cervical approach for cervical intramedullary tumors. The authors describe the resection of a cervical intramedullary ependymoma through an anterior approach with a two-level corpectomy and fusion. OBSERVATIONS: A 49-year-old male presented with a C3–5 ventral intramedullary mass with polar cysts. Because of the ventral location of the tumor and the added benefit of avoiding a posterior myelotomy and dorsal column deficits, an anterior C4–5 corpectomy offered a direct route and excellent visualization of the ventrally located tumor. After a C4–5 corpectomy, microsurgical resection, and C3–6 anterior fusion with a fibular allograft filled with autograft, the patient remained neurologically intact. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on postoperative day (POD) 1 confirmed gross-total resection. The patient was extubated on POD 2 and was discharged home on POD 4 with a stable examination. At 9 months, the patient developed mechanical neck pain refractory to conservative treatment and underwent a posterior fusion to address pseudarthrosis. MRI at 15 months showed no evidence of tumor recurrence with the resolution of neck pain. LESSONS: An anterior cervical corpectomy provides a safe corridor to access ventral cervical intramedullary tumors and avoids posterior myelotomy. Although the patient required a three-level fusion, we believe the tradeoff of decreased motion compared to dorsal column deficits is preferred.