[Neuroendoscope-assisted surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas].

OBJECTIVE:To study the utility of neuroendoscope-assisted surgery in the treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. METHODS:From November 2008 to November 2010, 8 cases of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas underwent neuroendoscope-assisted surgical treatment by a hemilaminectomy approach. Retrospective analyses were performed for their clinical manifestations, imaging findings, surgical approaches, postoperative recovery and follow-up profiles. RESULTS:All were of single fistula. Under the assistance of neuroendoscope, the fistulas were found intra-operatively and the draining veins disconnected successfully. The results of post-operative angiography showed the disappearance of all draining veins. After a follow-up period of 3 - 35 months, 2 cases became asymptomatic, 5 cases improved obviously and 1 case had no change. CONCLUSION:Neuroendoscope-assisted surgery is mini-invasive, safe and effective in the treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.