Intradural-extramedullary (ID-EM) tumors are the most common type of neoplasm found within the spinal canal. Most of these lesions are either meningiomas or spinal nerve sheath tumors, both of which are generally histologically benign. As such, ID-EM tumors have historically been a surgical disease. Herein, we provide an overview of the literature examining outcomes of the surgical management of these conditions, with a focus on those factors that confer both a positive and negative prognosis.