case_images: PMC3267373_01
case_images: Magnetic resonance images: Preoperative T2-weighted MRI. (a) Axial and (b) sagittal images reveal a right L3-L4 extradural foraminal dumbbell-shaped mass with extraforaminal extension into the right psoas muscle. The patient underwent minimally invasive resection. Postoperative T2-weighted MRI. (c) Axial and (d) sagittal images demonstrate gross total resection and postoperative changes
case_images: SNI-2-186-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC3267373_01_SNI-2-186-g001.jpg
case_images: F1
case_images: Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a large dumbbell-shaped extradural foraminal lesion at the L3-L4 level with significant extraforaminal extension [Figure 1a and b]. Postoperative MRI showed no residual tumor [Figure 1c and d].
case_images: Intraoperative fluoroscopy: (a) AP and (b) lateral X-rays confirm adequate placement of the tubular retractor in between the L3 and L4 spinous process lateral to the L3-L4 facet complex
case_images: SNI-2-186-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC3267373_01_SNI-2-186-g002.jpg
case_images: F2
case_images: Fluoroscopy confirmed the adequate position of the tube retractor in between the right transverse processes of L3 and L4, just lateral to right L3-L4 facet complex [Figure 2].
case_images: Illustration depicting resection of the giant extraforaminal schwannoma through a minimally invasive transmuscular tube retractor placed lateral to the facet complex
case_images: SNI-2-186-g003.jpg
case_images: PMC3267373_01_SNI-2-186-g003.jpg
case_images: F3
case_images: Following coagulation of the tumor capsule, intracapsular debulking was performed using cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) [Figure 3].