Unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at the cervicothoracic junction: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at the cervicothoracic junction: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Longyao Cao

  • Hui Lu

  • Dongjie Zhang

  • June 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Endoscopic Unilateral Biportal Decompression for SSEH

Background

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare but critical neurosurgical emergency that can lead to severe neurological deficits. Traditional open surgical decompression is the standard of care, but it necessitates substantial tissue dissection and is associated with prolonged recovery.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Duration of UBE90 min
Estimated blood loss50 mL
Postoperative ambulationIndependent by day 3
Follow-up ASIA gradeE
Residual symptomsMinimal increase in lower limb muscle tone

Key Findings

  • UBE was successfully performed in a 67-year-old female with SSEH.
  • The procedure lasted 90 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL.
  • The patient achieved independent ambulation by postoperative day 3.
  • At 6 months follow-up, the patient reached ASIA grade E with minimal residual symptoms.

Clinical Implications

The use of UBE for SSEH evacuation may reduce surgical trauma and enhance recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Conclusion

UBE offers a minimally invasive alternative for the management of SSEH.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers | Unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at the cervicothoracic junction: a case report and literature review
  2. Acta Neurochirurgica — Complications and their prevention in unilateral biportal endoscopy: a systematic review with narrative insights and practical management algorithms
  3. Incidence and Risk Factors of Unintentional Dural Tears in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery
  4. Frontiers in Surgery — Unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for thoracic intraspinal gout with ossified ligamentum flavum: a case report and literature review
  5. Spinal Subdural or Epidural Hematoma - Neurology - Merck Manual Professional Edition
  6. Frontiers in Surgery — Comparison between unilateral biportal endoscopic and percutaneous posterior endoscopic cervical keyhole surgery for patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy
  7. Spinal Subdural or Epidural Hematoma - Neurology - Merck Manual Professional Edition
  8. Clinical Analysis of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma and Consideration of Indications for Surgery in Our Hospital
  9. Frontiers | Unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression for acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at the cervicothoracic junction: a case report and literature review

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