Surgical Management of a Neuroenteric Cyst at T12-L1 Levels: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Neuroenteric cysts are rare spinal cord lesions that present diverse neurological symptoms. The optimal surgical management of these lesions remains controversial due to limited available data on long-term outcomes. Here, we present the case of a 32-year-old male patient with sphincter disorder, diagnosed with a cystic extramedullary intradural lesion at T12-L1 levels. The patient underwent a successful laminectomy and total microsurgical excision of the cyst through a posterior approach. Histopathological analysis confirmed a neuroenteric cyst and postoperative follow-up demonstrated regression of the sphincter disorder without recurrence. This case highlights the significance of early diagnosis, complete surgical excision, and histological analysis for favorable clinical outcomes in patients with neuroenteric cysts. We also discuss the risks and benefits of different surgical approaches, focusing on the posterior approach utilized in this case. Additionally, we review the existing literature on neuroenteric cyst management and address the limitations of current data. Further research is warranted to refine the optimal surgical management of neuroenteric cysts and enhance patient outcomes. Our case emphasizes the need to consider neuroenteric cysts in the differential diagnosis of patients with neurological symptoms and advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to their management.