Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Corpectomy of the Thoracolumbar Spine for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical, and radiologic outcomes of a minimally invasive direct lateral-approach corpectomy (MIDLaC) for decompression and stabilization of symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Methods A retrospective study on a prospective cohort was conducted. Nineteen patients were consecutively treated with MIDLaC and posterior pedicle screw fixation between May 2012 and July 2014. Demographic information and radiologic outcomes including sagittal deformity correction and vertebral body height were recorded. Operative variables (operative duration, blood loss) and clinical variables (Tokuhashi score, mortality, complication rate, pain visual analogue scale [VAS], opioid usage, and Frankel grade) were recorded and analyzed. Results All nineteen patients (mean age: 67.6 ± 12.7 years) successfully underwent MIDLaC with excellent neural decompression. Operative duration was 188.4 ± 30.3 minutes for single-level MIDLaC and 327.2 ± 71.9 minutes for multilevel surgery (p < 0.0001). Mean blood loss per spinal level was 390.8 mL with a decrease to 102.3 mL excluding renal cell MSCC. A total of 47.4% of patients had a Tokuhashi score of 0 to 8. There was one approach-related complication and one perioperative mortality. The overall complication rate was 15.8% (n = 3) with no postoperative wound infections. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 6 months were 0.50. Overall, 31.6% of patients improved by one or more Frankel grades, and no patients demonstrated worsening neurology postoperatively. VAS was significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.05). Vertebral body height was significantly increased (+7.6 ± 8.1 mm; p = 0.002), with improvements in lumbar lordosis (8.3 ± 7.3 degrees) and thoracic kyphosis (2.4 ± 7.1 degrees) postoperatively. Conclusion MIDLaC is a safe and feasible palliative approach in the management of MSCC with encouraging early clinical outcomes. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of MIDLaC in the management of MSCC vis-à-vis other mini-open or minimally invasive techniques.

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Strategies for posterior-only minimally invasive surgery in thoracolumbar metastatic epidural spinal cord compression

Surgical Neurology International ◽

10.25259/sni_815_2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 462

Author(s):

Mohammed Abdul Alshareef ◽

Gibson Klapthor ◽

Stephen R. Lowe ◽

Jessica Barley ◽

David Cachia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Minimally Invasive Surgery ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Spinal Cord Compression ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Partial Corpectomy ◽

Length Of Hospitalization ◽

Frankel Grade

Background: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a debilitating sequela of cancer. Here, we evaluated various subtypes of posterior-only minimally invasive spinal (MIS) procedures utilized to address different cancers. Methods: Within this retrospective review, we analyzed the treatment of thoracolumbar MESCC treated with three MIS techniques: decompression and fusion (Subgroup A), partial corpectomy (Subgroup B), and full corpectomy (Subgroup C). Results: There were 51 patients included in the study; they averaged 58.7 years of age, and 51% were females. Most tumors were in the thoracic spine (51%). The average preoperative Frankel grade was D (62.7%); 69% (35) improved postoperatively. The patients were divided as follows: subgroup A (15 patients = 29.4%), B (19 patients = 37.3%), and C (17 patients = 33.3%). The length of hospitalization was similar (~5.4 days) for all groups. The overall complication rate was 31%, while blood loss was lower in Subgroups A and B versus C. Conclusion: Different MIS surgical techniques were utilized in patients with thoracic and/or lumbar MESCC. Interestingly, clinical outcomes were similar between MIS subgroups, in this study, with a trend toward higher complications and greater blood loss associated with those undergoing more aggressive MIS procedures (e.g., full corpectomy and fusion).

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The Retrospective Analysis of Posterior Short-Segment Pedicle Instrumentation without Fusion for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture with Neurological Deficit

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2014/457634 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zhouming Deng ◽

Hui Zou ◽

Lin Cai ◽

Ansong Ping ◽

Yongzhi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Vertebral Body ◽

Burst Fracture ◽

Body Height ◽

Operation Time ◽

Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture ◽

Vertebral Body Height ◽

Kyphotic Angle ◽

Short Segment ◽

The Mean

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation without fusion in curing thoracolumbar burst fracture. All of the 53 patients were treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation and laminectomy without fusion, and the restoration of retropulsed bone fragments was conducted by a novel custom-designed repositor (RRBF). The mean operation time and blood loss during surgery were analyzed; the radiological index and neurological status were compared before and after the operation. The mean operation time was 93 min (range: 62–110 min) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 452 mL in all cases. The average canal encroachment was 50.04% and 10.92% prior to the surgery and at last followup, respectively (P<0.01). The preoperative kyphotic angle was 17.2 degree (±6.87 degrees), whereas it decreased to 8.42 degree (±4.99 degrees) at last followup (P<0.01). Besides, the mean vertebral body height increased from 40.15% (±9.40%) before surgery to 72.34% (±12.32%) at last followup (P<0.01). 45 patients showed 1-2 grades improvement in Frankel’s scale at last followup. This technique allows for satisfactory canal clearance and restoration of vertebral body height and kyphotic angle, and it may promote the recovery of neurological function. However, further research is still necessary to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.

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Separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: comparison of a minimally invasive versus open approach

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2021.2.focus201124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (5) ◽

pp. E10

Author(s):

Murray Echt ◽

Ariel Stock ◽

Rafael De la Garza Ramos ◽

Evan Der ◽

Mousa Hamad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Local Recurrence ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Spinal Cord Compression ◽

Open Surgery ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Open Group ◽

Hardware Failure ◽

Surgery Group

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of separation surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery. METHODS A retrospective study of patients undergoing MIS or standard open separation surgery for MESCC between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Both groups received circumferential decompression via laminectomy and a transpedicular approach for partial corpectomy to debulk ventral epidural disease, as well as instrumented stabilization. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS There were 17 patients in the MIS group and 24 in the open surgery group. The average age of the MIS group was significantly older than the open surgery group (65.5 vs 56.6 years, p < 0.05). The preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score of the open group was significantly lower than that of the MIS group, with averages of 63.0% versus 75.9%, respectively (p = 0.02). This was also evidenced by the higher proportion of emergency procedures performed in the open group (9 of 24 patients vs 0 of 17 patients, p = 0.004). The average Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, number of levels fused, and operative parameters, including length of stay, were similar. The average estimated blood loss difference for the open surgery versus the MIS group (783 mL vs 430 mL, p < 0.05) was significant, although the average amount of packed red blood cells transfused was not significantly different (325 mL vs 216 mL, p = 0.39). Time until start of radiation therapy was slightly less in the MIS than the open surgery group (32.8 ± 15.6 days vs 43.1 ± 20.3 days, p = 0.069). Among patients who underwent open surgery with long-term follow-up, 20% were found to have local recurrence compared with 12.5% of patients treated with the MIS technique. No patients in either group developed hardware failure requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS MIS for MESCC is a safe and effective approach for decompression and stabilization compared with standard open separation surgery, and it significantly reduced blood loss during surgery. Although there was a trend toward a faster time to starting radiation treatment in the MIS group, both groups received similar postoperative radiotherapy doses, with similar rates of local recurrence and hardware failure. An increased ability to perform MIS in emergency settings as well as larger, prospective studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of MIS over standard open separation surgery.

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Spinal Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Cement Augmentation for Painful Spinal Vertebral Metastasis: A Single-Center Prospective Study

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj/2019.22.e441 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (22;5) ◽

pp. E441-E449

Author(s):

Dawood Sayed

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Spinal Cord ◽

Radiofrequency Ablation ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Vertebral Body ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Cement Augmentation ◽

Vertebral Augmentation ◽

Inclusion Criteria

Background: The spine is the most common site of skeletal metastatic disease. Vertebral body metastases (VBM) can cause crippling pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive technique that has proven to be a safe method of targeted tissue destruction. Studies have shown that RFA combined with cement vertebral augmentation is safe and effective and has been associated with significant improvements in pain and quality of life. Objectives: The purpose of this study was continued evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this technique. Study Design: Prospective cohort. Setting: A single academic medical center. Methods: Patients undergoing RFA with cement vertebral augmentation for a painful thoracic or lumbar VBM were eligible for inclusion. Additional inclusion criteria included pain concordant with a metastatic lesion on cross-sectional imaging, aged 18 years or older, and considered candidates for spinal tumor ablation by the operating physician. Patients with vertebral metastatic disease in the cervical spine or patients with spinal cord compression from posterior tumor extension were excluded. Ablation within each VBM was performed using a bipolar radiofrequency probe with an extensible electrode and available articulation, permitting vertebral body navigation percutaneously. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 3 days, one week, one month, and 3 months using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General 7 (FACT-G7) to assess pain and quality-of-life, respectively. A one-sample t test was performed, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess changes in average NRS-11 and FACT-G7 scores. Results: A total of 30 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent RFA of one or more VBM. Patients with 13 different primary cancers types underwent treatment. Patients received RFA to either one (n = 26; 87%) or 2 vertebral body levels (n = 4; 13%). Of the 34 levels, 13 were thoracic vertebra (38%) and 21 were lumbar vertebra (62%). Average NRS-11 scores decreased from a baseline of 5.77 to 4.65 (3 days; P = 0.16), 3.33 (one week; P < 0.01), 2.64 (one month; P < 0.01), and 2.61 (3 months; P < 0.01). FACT-G7 increased from a baseline average of 13.0 to 14.7 (3 days; P = 0.13), 14.69 (one week; P = 0.15), 14.04 (one month; P = 0.35), and 15.11 (3 months; P = 0.07). No major adverse events were reported. Limitations: A heterogeneous patient population, small sample size, and potential confounders of concurrent variable adjuvant therapies were limitations. Additionally, most patients received both cement augmentation and targeted RFA, making it difficult to distinguish independent analgesic benefits of the therapies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that minimally invasive targeted RFA with cement augmentation of spinal metastatic lesions is an effective treatment for patients with VBM. Key words: Cancer, cancer pain, spinal metastasis, radiofrequency ablation, tumor ablation, cement augmentation

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The Emerging Role of Robotic Single-site Approach for Myomectomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Surgical Innovation ◽

10.1177/1553350620988227 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155335062098822

Author(s):

Eirini Giovannopoulou ◽

Anastasia Prodromidou ◽

Nikolaos Blontzos ◽

Christos Iavazzo

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Operative Time ◽

Intraoperative Complications ◽

Single Site ◽

Minimally Invasive Technique ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Robotic Myomectomy ◽

The Mean

Objective. To review the existing studies on single-site robotic myomectomy and test the safety and feasibility of this innovative minimally invasive technique. Data Sources. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar (from their inception to October 2019), as well as Clinicaltrials.gov databases up to April 2020. Methods of Study Selection. Clinical trials (prospective or retrospective) that reported the outcomes of single-site robotic myomectomy, with a sample of at least 20 patients were considered eligible for the review. Results. The present review was performed in accordance with the guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Four (4) studies met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 267 patients were included with a mean age from 37.1 to 39.1 years and BMI from 21.6 to 29.4 kg/m2. The mean operative time ranged from 131.4 to 154.2 min, the mean docking time from 5.1 to 5.45 min, and the mean blood loss from 57.9 to 182.62 ml. No intraoperative complications were observed, and a conversion rate of 3.8% was reported by a sole study. The overall postoperative complication rate was estimated at 2.2%, and the mean hospital stay ranged from 0.57 to 4.7 days. No significant differences were detected when single-site robotic myomectomy was compared to the multiport technique concerning operative time, blood loss, and total complication rate. Conclusion. Our findings support the safety of single-site robotic myomectomy and its equivalency with the multiport technique on the most studied outcomes. Further studies are needed to conclude on the optimal minimally invasive technique for myomectomy.

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Surgery for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression in Thoracic Spine, Anterior or Posterior Approach?

10.21203/rs.2.334/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jen Chung Liao

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Spinal Cord Compression ◽

Thoracic Spine ◽

Posterior Approach ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Thoracic Vertebrae ◽

Neurologic Status ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A

Abstract Background: The most commonly encounter tumor of the spine is metastasis, and thoracic spine is the most commonly metastatic spine. Controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical approach for this kind of patient. The author conducted a study to assess the differences between anterior thoracotomy and posterior approach in patients with malignant epidural cord compression in the thoracic spine. Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2015, patients with metastatic thoracic lesion underwent surgery at our department were stratified into two groups according to different approach method to the lesion site. Group A mean anterior thoracotomy, decompression and fixation. Group P represented posterior decompression and fixation. Survival was defined as months since surgery to last tractable times. American Spinal Injury Association grade was used to assess preoperative and postoperative neurologic status. Days at intensive care unit (ICU) were compared. Every complication by surgery or during admission was documented. Results: Group A had 25 patients and Group P had 67 patients. Lung cancer was ther most commonly origin cancer in both groups. The most commonly surgical level was the 9th thoracic vertebrae in Group A and the 10th thoracic vertbrae in Group P. Both gropus had a similar preoperative neurologic (p=0.959). One patients in Group A and two in the Group P sustained neurologic deterioation immediately after surgery. Group A took more operation time (213.0 vs 199.2 minutes, p=0.380) and had more blood loss (912.5 vs 834.4 ml, p=0.571). 6 patients in Group A (24%) and 10 patients in Group P (13.9%) developed complications immediately or postoperatively. Patients in Group A need more days of care at ICU (2.36 vs 0.19 days, p<0.001). The longer survival was seen in the goup P (15.4 vs 11.2 months) but without significant differnce. Conclusion: Patients in Group P required significantly less days of care at ICU. Besides, posterior approach also took a shorter surgical time, and had a less blood loss during surgery, although without statistically significant difference. According to the results, the author would prefer posterior approach by decompression and fixation for those with thoracic metastatic tumor with epidural compression. Keywords: Thoracic spine; metastatic epidural spinal cord compression; anterior thoracotomy; posterior approach; survivorship; neurologic status; complications.

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Efficacy of Computed Tomography-assisted Limited Decompression in the Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Fractures With Neurological Deficit

10.21203/rs.3.rs-157719/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Landa Shi ◽

Dean Chou ◽

Yuqiang Wang ◽

Mirwais Alizada ◽

Yilin Liu

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Vertebral Body ◽

Burst Fracture ◽

Body Height ◽

Height Loss ◽

Vertebral Body Height ◽

Single Segment ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objective: to investigate the effect of CT-assisted limited decompression in the management of single segment A3 lumbar burst fracture. Method: A retrospective study of 106 cases with a single-level Magerl type A3 lumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior internal fixation and limited decompression from January 2015 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: CT-assisted and non-CT-assisted. Perioperative factors, clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, imaging parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the kyphosis, anterior vertebral body height loss, posterior vertebral body height loss, operative time, and postoperative complications. The visual analogue score (VAS) and spinal canal encroachment in the CT-assisted group were lower than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), the simplified HRQoL scale and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Spinal Cord Injury Grade in the CT-assisted group were higher than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: CT-assisted limited decompression in the treatment of single-segment A3 lumbar burst fracture can achieve better fracture reduction and surgical results, and improve the long-term recovery of neurological function and quality of life of the patients.

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Minimally Invasive Circumferential Spinal Decompression and Stabilization for Symptomatic Metastatic Spine Tumor

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000365270.23815.b1 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 66 (3) ◽

pp. E620-E622 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Alexander Taghva ◽

Khan W. Li ◽

John C. Liu ◽

Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽

Patrick C. Hsieh

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Spinal Cord Compression ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽

Lower Extremity Weakness ◽

Hardware Failure ◽

Minimally Invasive Surgical ◽

Potential Benefits

Abstract OBJECTIVE Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is a potentially devastating complication of cancer and is estimated to occur in 5% to 14% of all cancer patients. It is best treated surgically. Minimally invasive spine surgery has the potential benefits of decreased surgical approach–related morbidity, blood loss, hospital stay, and time to mobilization. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 36-year-old man presented with worsening back pain and lower extremity weakness. Workup revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung with spinal cord compression at T4 and T5. INTERVENTION AND TECHNIQUE T4 and T5 vertebrectomy with expandable cage placement and T1–T8 pedicle screw fixation and fusion were performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. RESULT The patient improved neurologically and was ambulatory on postoperative day 1. At the 9-month follow-up point, he remained neurologically intact and pain free, and there was no evidence of hardware failure. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive surgical circumferential decompression may be a viable option for the treatment of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

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