Complete Surgical Resection of a C3 Neuroenteric Cyst With Concurrent Cervical Fusion Deformity Through Posterior Midline Approach in the Lateral Position: Case Report.

Abstract

Background and importance: Enterogenic cysts often occur along the spinal axis and are frequently associated with congenital spinal malformations. The special location of the lesion can limit the surgical resection to achieve complete removal. In this report, the authors describe a successful case of complete resection of a ventral enterogenic cyst in the cervical spinal cord using a posterior midline approach in the lateral position.

Clinical presentation: This report discusses a case of a 36-year-old young female patient who presented with relatively short-term discomfort and pain in the left shoulder and neck area. MRI examination revealed a cystic mass located ventrally in the C3 cervical spinal cord. We performed a posterior surgical approach and, under the lateral position, the lesion was completely resected. The surgical treatment alleviated the neurological dysfunction. During the follow-up periods of 3 and 6 months, the patient recovered well, and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed no residual lesion.

Conclusion: Complete surgical resection of the cyst wall is the only effective treatment for enterogenic cysts because partial resection or subtotal resection may lead to recurrence. For patients with concomitant spinal malformations, a posterior midline approach in the lateral position is a viable surgical option.