Minimally invasive intradural spinal dural arteriovenous fistula ligation.

Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) have traditionally been approached through a bilateral laminectomy procedure with intradural exploration and ligation of the fistulae. A minimally invasive approach for DAVF ligation may be associated with fewer complications and a shorter recovery than the traditional laminectomy procedure. Our objective was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intradural DAVF ligation via the use of a minimally invasive microsurgical technique.

The mini-open anterolateral approach for degenerative thoracolumbar disease.

Introduction: Anterolateral retroperitoneal, retrodiaphragmatic, and/or retropleural (RPDP) approaches have been used to treat a variety of spinal conditions. The traditional extensive thoracoabdominal approach can be modified to focus on the area of pathology. A less invasive "mini-open" anterolateral approach may be associated with fewer complications and shorter recovery than the thoracoabdominal procedure.