Extensive spinal epidural abscess evacuated with unilateral interlaminar approach (with operative video): illustrative case

Authors

George A. Crabill, LSU Health Sciences Center – New OrleansFollow
Jack A. Leoni, LSU Health Sciences Center – New OrleansFollow
Kaleb Derouen, LSU Health Sciences Center – New OrleansFollow
Jamieson Glasser, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Wesley Shoap, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Gabriel Tender, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-17-2025

Publication Title

Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The authors present the case of a patient with an extensive lumbosacral spinal epidural abscess (SEA) that was successfully evacuated in its entirety with a unilateral interlaminar approach. This is an alternative to wide bony decompression at multiple segments. The surgical approach described decompresses the neural elements while maintaining spinal integrity. OBSERVATIONS: Partial removal of the ligamentum flavum can provide an interlaminar corridor that is sufficient to evacuate extensive SEAs in select patients. LESSONS: This case illustrates a surgical approach that successfully evacuates extensive lumbosacral SEA while respecting spinal integrity. https://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/CASE25646.

First Page

1

Last Page

5

PubMed ID

41248482

Volume

10

Issue

20

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Crabill, George A.; Leoni, Jack A.; Derouen, Kaleb; Glasser, Jamieson; Shoap, Wesley; and Tender, Gabriel, "Extensive spinal epidural abscess evacuated with unilateral interlaminar approach (with operative video): illustrative case" (2025). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 4387.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/4387
10.3171/CASE25646