Interlaminar Endoscopic Resection of Giant Hemorrhagic Ganglion Cyst of the Facet Joint at L1 to L2 Level

Hemorrhagic facet cysts are a rare condition including both synovial and ganglion cysts. Here, the authors present the first-ever reported case of a hemorrhagic ganglion cyst of the facet joint at L1 to L2 causing cauda equina syndrome. In this report, a 72-year-old woman presented with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome requiring urgent surgical consideration. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed an extradural mass at the L1 to L2 level. Due to the giant size of the cyst, there was severe compression of the thecal sac and nerve roots. The patient underwent interlaminar contralateral decompression and cystectomy using a uniportal endoscopic approach. The patient had a quick postoperative recovery, with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showing recovery of the facet cyst with no sign of recurrence or stenosis. This case demonstrates the successful surgical technique of interlaminar endoscopic contralateral decompression combined with cystectomy, showing that a hemorrhagic ganglion cyst at the facet at L1 to L2 can be removed completely under endoscopic view.