Revisiting the surgical corridors for cervical Type IIb-c dumbbell neurofibroma: A series of two unconventional approaches and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Cervical sub-axial dumbbell neurofibromas (NFs) account for nearly 20% of all NFs, with prognosis depending on the extent of excision. When majority of tumor is extra-foraminal (Tomaya's Type IIb and c), certain unconventional anterolateral or posterolateral neck approaches are used for maximum safe excision. In our article, we provide a brief review of the literature regarding various surgical approaches, emphasizing the utility of posterolateral or combined anterior and posterior neck approaches for such giant NF. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained surgical databases, from our hospital discharge codes, for all cervical Type IIb-c dumbbell NF patients, who underwent surgery at our institution between 2015 and 2019. Clinical variables included age at admission, clinical presentation, and surgical difficulties, and the outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: Four patients of age ranging from 22 to 45 years (M:F 3:1) were operated by posterolateral (n = 3) and combined anteroposterior (n = 1) approach. Three patients underwent near-total excision and one patient had total excision. One patient with tumor capsule attached to roots of upper brachial plexus had motor deficit, who was re-admitted for neurotization. There was no intraoperative complication. CONCLUSION: Posterolateral approach for cervical dumbbell giant NFs is safe, effective, and promises maximum safe excision. The major blood vessels including carotid artery or jugular veins in neck and vertebral artery at foraminal portion are directly under vision and control of surgeon. Despite near-total excision, wherein small part of adhered capsule is left, recurrence rate is low.