Preoperative embolization and intraoperative cryocoagulation as adjuncts in resection of hypervascular lesions of the thoracolumbar spine

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remi Nader ◽  
Brent T. Alford ◽  
Haring J. W. Nauta ◽  
Wayne Crow ◽  
Eric Vansonnenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Physical Separation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Reconstruction ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was twofold. First the authors evaluated preoperative embolization alone to reduce estimated blood loss (EBL) when resecting hypervascular lesions of the thoracolumbar spine. Second, they compared this experience with intraoperative cryotherapy alone or in conjunction with embolization to minimize further EBL. Methods. Twelve patients underwent 13 surgeries for hypervascular spinal tumors. In 10 cases the surgeries were augmented by preoperative embolization alone. In one patient, two different surgeries involved intraoperative cryocoagulation, and in one patient surgery involved a combination of preoperative embolization and intraoperative cryocoagulation for tumor resection. When cryocoagulation was used, its extent was controlled using intraoperative ultrasonography or by establishing physical separation of the spinal cord from the tumor. In the 10 cases in which embolization alone was conducted, intraoperative EBL in excess of 3 L occurred in five. Mean EBL was of 2.8 L per patient. In one patient, who underwent only embolization, excessive bleeding (> 8 L) required that the surgery be terminated and resulted in suboptimum tumor resection. In another three cases, intraoperative cryocoagulation was used alone (in two patients) or in combination with preoperative embolization (in one patient). In all procedures involving cryocoagulation of the lesion, adequate hemostasis was achieved with a mean EBL of only 500 ml per patient. No new neurological deficits were attributable to the use of cryocoagulation. Conclusions. Preoperative embolization alone may not always be satisfactory in reducing EBL in resection of hypervascular tumors of the thoracolumbar spine. Although experience with cryocoagulation is limited, its use, in conjunction with embolization or alone, suggests it may be helpful in limiting EBL beyond what can be achieved with embolization alone. Cryocoagulation may also assist resection by preventing spillage of tumor contents, facilitating more radical excision, and enabling spinal reconstruction. The extent of cryocoagulation could be adequately controlled using ultrasonography or by establishing physical separation between the tumor and spinal cord. Additionally, somatosensory evoked potential monitoring may provide early warning of spinal cord cooling.

The development of techniques for resection of spinal cord tumors by Harvey W. Cushing

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol ◽  
Dennis D. Spencer ◽  
William E. Krauss
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Spinal Cord Tumors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Peter Bent Brigham Hospital ◽  
Operative Notes ◽  
Natural Histories ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Harvey Cushing's refinement of Halsted's meticulous surgical techniques facilitated safe resection of intradural spinal tumors. Although Cushing focused his attention on brain tumors at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, his numerous contributions to the treatment of intradural spinal tumors include the description of these tumors' natural histories and their histological classifications. The application of his experienced intracranial techniques to the resection of spinal tumors improved outcomes. The authors review selected operative notes and sketches to demonstrate his technique in the excision of the spinal cord tumors.

Atraumatic bloodless removal of intramedullary hemangioblastomas of the spinal cord

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard I. Malis
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Bipolar Coagulation ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Microsurgical Technique ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The goal of this study was to summarize the author's personal experience in the surgical treatment of 19 patients with intramedullary spinal cord hemangioblastomas. Methods. All cases were from the author's private practice and were treated between 1967 and 1990. In all cases the intramedullary hemangioblastomas were totally removed by using a unique microsurgical technique of bipolar coagulation, which is fully described in this paper. A bipolar forceps was used to shrink each tumor and detach it from its feeding and draining vessels. Tumor resection was successfully accomplished in all patients. Blood loss was minimal, averaging less than 100 ml, and what little bleeding occurred did so during laminotomy or laminectomy. No bleeding occurred during tumor removal, and no transfusions were given. All patients were symptomatic preoperatively, and all recovered or improved following surgery. Conclusions. The technique described in this paper makes tumor removal safe, effective, and relatively easy.

Use of pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal disease: experience in 100 consecutive procedures

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl R. Fourney ◽  
Dima Abi-Said ◽  
Frederick F. Lang ◽  
Ian E. McCutcheon ◽  
Ziya L. Gokaslan
Keyword(s):  
Pedicle Screw ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Preoperative Radiation ◽  
Spinal Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Few reports are available on the use of pedicle screw fixation for cancer-related spinal instability. The authors present their experience with pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal column tumors. Methods. Records for patients with malignant spinal tumors who underwent pedicle screw fixation at the authors' institution between September 1994 and December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Ninety-five patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent 100 surgeries involving pedicle screw fixation: metastatic spinal disease was present in 81 patients, and locally invasive tumors were demonstrated in 14 patients. Indications for surgery were pain (98%) and/or neurological dysfunction (80%). A posterior (48%) or a combined anterior—posterior (52%) approach was performed depending on the extent of tumor and the patient's condition. At the mean follow up of 8.2 months, 43 patients (45%) had died; median survival, as determined by Kaplan—Meier analysis, was 14.8 months. At 1 month postsurgery, self-reported pain had improved in 87% of cases (p < 0.001), which is a finding substantiated by reductions in analgesic use, and 29 (47%) of 62 patients with preoperative neurological impairments were functionally improved (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were associated only with preoperative radiation therapy (p = 0.002) and with preexisting serious medical conditions (p = 0.04). In two patients asymptomatic violation of the lateral wall of the pedicle was revealed on postoperative radiography. The 30-day mortality rate was 1%. Conclusions. For selected patients with malignant spinal tumors, pedicle screw fixation after tumor resection may provide considerable pain relief and restore or preserve ambulation with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal meningiomas and neurinomas

1987 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 695-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Schroth ◽  
Armin Thron ◽  
Lothar Guhl ◽  
Karsten Voigt ◽  
Hans-Peter Niendorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Cord Diseases ◽  
Spinal Meningiomas ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Fine Print

The detection and delineation of spinal tumors by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after intravenous administration of gadolinium (Gd)-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA) is demonstrated in eight cases of neurinoma or meningioma. The advantages of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI over other MRI techniques used in more than 100 cases of spinal cord diseases are described.

Safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery for tumors of the spine

2004 ◽  
pp. 413-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah L. Benzil ◽  
Mehran Saboori ◽  
Alon Y. Mogilner ◽  
Ronald Rocchio ◽  
Chitti R. Moorthy
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Total Dose ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The extension of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of tumors of the spine has the potential to benefit many patients. As in the early days of cranial stereotactic radiosurgery, however, dose-related efficacy and toxicity are not well understood. The authors report their initial experience with stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine with attention to dose, efficacy, and toxicity. Methods. All patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine were treated using the Novalis unit at Westchester Medical Center between December 2001 and January 2004 are included in a database consisting of demographics on disease, dose, outcome, and complications. A total of 31 patients (12 men, 19 women; mean age 61 years, median age 63 years) received treatment for 35 tumors. Tumor types included 26 metastases (12 lung, nine breast, five other) and nine primary tumors (four intradural, five extradural). Thoracic tumors were most common (17 metastases and four primary) followed by lumbar tumors (four metastases and four primary). Lesions were treated to the 85 to 90% isodose line with spinal cord doses being less than 50%. The dose per fraction and total dose were selected on the basis of previous treatment (particularly radiation exposure), size of lesion, and proximity to critical structures. Conclusions. Rapid and significant pain relief was achieved after stereotactic radiosurgery in 32 of 34 treated tumors. In patients treated for metastases, pain was relieved within 72 hours and remained reduced 3 months later. Pain relief was achieved with a single dose as low as 500 cGy. Spinal cord isodoses were less than 50% in all patients except those with intradural tumors (mean single dose to spinal cord 268 cGy and mean total dose to spinal cord 689 cGy). Two patients experienced transient radiculitis (both with a biological equivalent dose (BED) > 60 Gy). One patient who suffered multiple recurrences of a conus ependymoma had permanent neurological deterioration after initial improvement. Pathological evaluation of this lesion at surgery revealed radiation necrosis with some residual/recurrent tumor. No patient experienced other organ toxicity. Stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine is safe at the doses used and provides effective pain relief. In this study, BEDs greater than 60 Gy were associated with an increased risk of radiculitis.

Posterior approach for cervical intramedullary arteriovenous malformation with diffuse-type nidus

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Ohata ◽  
Toshihiro Takami ◽  
Alaa El-Naggar ◽  
Michiharu Morino ◽  
Akimasa Nishio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery ◽  
Neural Element ◽  
Feeding Artery ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The treatment of spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a diffuse-type nidus that contains a neural element poses different challenges compared with a glomus-type nidus. The surgical elimination of such lesions involves the risk of spinal cord ischemia that results from coagulation of the feeding artery that, at the same time, supplies cord parenchyma. However, based on evaluation of the risks involved in performing embolization, together with the frequent occurrence of reperfusion, which necessitates frequent reembolization, the authors consider surgery to be a one-stage solution to a disease that otherwise has a very poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed diffuse-type intramedullary AVMs in the cervical spinal cords of three patients who subsequently underwent surgery via the posterior approach. The AVM was supplied by the anterior spinal artery in one case and by both the anterior and posterior spinal arteries in the other two cases. In all three cases, a posterior median myelotomy was performed up to the vicinity of the anterior median fissure that divided the spinal cord together with the nidus, and the feeding artery was coagulated and severed at its origin from the anterior spinal artery. In the two cases in which the posterior spinal artery fed the AVM, the feeding artery was coagulated on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. Neurological outcome improved in one patient and deteriorated slightly to mildly in the other two patients. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete disappearance of the AVM in all cases. Because of the extremely poor prognosis of patients with spinal intramedullary AVMs, this surgical technique for the treatment of diffuse-type AVMs provides acceptable operative outcome. Surgical intervention should be considered when managing a patient with a diffuse-type intramedullary AVM in the cervical spinal cord.

Recurrent intracranial solitary fibrous tumor with cerebrospinal fluid dissemination

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 1045-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuyoshi Miyashita ◽  
Yutaka Hayashi ◽  
Hironori Fujisawa ◽  
Mitsuhiro Hasegawa ◽  
Junkoh Yamashita
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Malignant Transformation ◽  
Solitary Fibrous Tumor ◽  
S100 Protein ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csf Dissemination ◽  
Fibrous Tumor ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Mib 1

✓ Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a benign and rare neoplasm. To date, only 37 patients with intracranial SFTs have been reported. Although a number of the tumors were recurrent and some later underwent malignant transformation, none of these lesions progressed to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination. In this paper the authors report a case of SFT in which the lesion recurred several times and ultimately was disseminated by the CSF. The patient was a 63-year-old woman with multiple intracranial and spinal tumors. Fifteen years before this presentation, at the age of 48 she had been hospitalized for resection of a falcotentorial tumor. During the ensuing 15 years she underwent multiple surgeries and sessions of radiation therapy for recurrent lesions. The exclusive location of her tumors in the subarachnoid space at the end of this 15-year period indicate CSF dissemination of the tumor. The tumor that was resected when the patient was 48 years old and the latest resected lesion were analyzed by performing immunohistological CD34, epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, S100 protein, and reticulin staining, and determining the MIB-1 labeling index (LI). Most of the results were identical, and both tumors were diagnosed as SFT according to a staining pattern that showed a strong and diffuse positive reaction for CD34. Nevertheless, the authors noted that the MIB-1 LI increased from less than 1% in the original tumor to 13% in the latest tumor. The increased proliferation of MIB-1 indicates that the malignant transformation could have occurred during tumor recurrence with CSF dissemination.

Traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the vertebral artery with spinal cord symptoms

1977 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 681-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chikao Nagashima ◽  
Takashi Iwasaki ◽  
Seiichi Kawanuma ◽  
Arata Sakaguchi ◽  
Akira Kamisasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Direct Closure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vertebral Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report a case of a traumatic vertebral arteriovenous fistula with spinal cord symptoms. Direct closure of the fistula was followed by rapid improvement.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the thoracic spine: clinopathological description and follow up

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Arazi ◽  
Onder Guney ◽  
Mustafa Ozdemir ◽  
Omer Uluoglu ◽  
Nuket Uzum
Keyword(s):  
Fibrous Dysplasia ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
En Bloc Resection ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
En Bloc ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thoracic Spinal ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report the case of a 53-year-old woman with monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the thoracic spine. The patient presented with a 1-month history of pain in the thoracic spinal region. En bloc resection of the lesion was successfully performed via a transthoracic approach, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia. At 24-month follow-up examination, pain and vertebral instability were absent. The findings in this case illustrate that, although very rare, monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the thoracic spine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors. Although a consensus for management of this disease has not been achieved, the authors recommend radical removal of all involved bone as well as internal fixation or bone graft—assisted fusion to achieve long-term stabilization.

Split spinal cord malformations in children

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Ersşahin ◽  
Saffet Mutluer ◽  
Sevgül Kocaman ◽  
Eren Demirtasş
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Single Type ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Lesion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors reviewed and analyzed information on 74 patients with split spinal cord malformations (SSCMs) treated between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1996 at their institution with the aim of defining and classifying the malformations according to the method of Pang, et al. Methods. Computerized tomography myelography was superior to other radiological tools in defining the type of SSCM. There were 46 girls (62%) and 28 boys (38%) ranging in age from less than 1 day to 12 years (mean 33.08 months). The mean age (43.2 months) of the patients who exhibited neurological deficits and orthopedic deformities was significantly older than those (8.2 months) without deficits (p = 0.003). Fifty-two patients had a single Type I and 18 patients a single Type II SSCM; four patients had composite SSCMs. Sixty-two patients had at least one associated spinal lesion that could lead to spinal cord tethering. After surgery, the majority of the patients remained stable and clinical improvement was observed in 18 patients. Conclusions. The classification of SSCMs proposed by Pang, et al., will eliminate the current chaos in terminology. In all SSCMs, either a rigid or a fibrous septum was found to transfix the spinal cord. There was at least one unrelated lesion that caused tethering of the spinal cord in 85% of the patients. The risk of neurological deficits resulting from SSCMs increases with the age of the patient; therefore, all patients should be surgically treated when diagnosed, especially before the development of orthopedic and neurological manifestations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document