ABSTRACT

To present a rare syringomyelia case that necessitated a revision surgery because of a T-tube migration into the syrinx cavity.

A 53-year-old female patient was presented with progressive pain in the right arm and numbness in the neck. She had undergone decompression and stabilization surgery at the T6-T9 levels four years ago. One year later, she underwent a T-tube placement operation for syringomyelia. She remained relatively stable until the latest admission. A detailed neurological examination revealed no difference compared to her previous neurological condition. Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans demonstrated that the syrinx had expended and the T-tube had migrated into the syrinx cavity. A revision was carried out, the migrated T-tube was removed through fenestration, and a new T-tube was placed. Her condition had significantly improved at follow-up, and the syrinx had markedly regressed.

Syringosubarachnoid shunting operations might lead to rare complications such as T-tube migration, which necessitate revision surgery. Nearly complete relief of symptoms can be achieved with successful revision surgery.

Keywords: Syringomyelia, revision, surgery