Computed Tomography Perfusion Combined With Preoperative Embolization for Reducing Intraoperative Blood Loss in Separation Surgery for Thoracolumbar Metastases

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective consecutive case study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in evaluating the vascularity of thoracolumbar metastases and to determine the impact of combining CTP with preoperative embolization on reducing intraoperative blood loss during separation surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Surgery for thoracolumbar metastases is a complex procedure with the potential for substantial blood loss. Therefore, assessing tumor vascularity before surgery and taking measures to minimize intraoperative blood loss is essential.

METHODS

A total of 62 patients with thoracolumbar metastases were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent separation surgery using the posterior approach. Before surgery, the vascularity of the metastases was evaluated using CTP. On the basis of the CTP results, patients were categorized into hypervascular and hypovascular groups. Preoperative angiography and embolization were performed for the hypervascular group. Clinical data were abstracted, including intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, visual analog scale score, neurological status, and the accuracy of vascularity evaluation by CTP confirmed by angiography. χ 2 testing was used to compare categorical variables, whereas independent sample t tests were used to compare continuous variables, with paired t tests used to assess differences from preoperative to postoperative time points.

RESULTS

The mean intraoperative blood loss was 485±167 and 455±127.6 mL in the two groups, respectively. The accuracy of vascularity evaluation by CTP was 100%. In the hypervascular group, 80.6% of the patients experienced at least one level of improvement in neurological status, while the hypovascular group had 81.5% of patients with similar improvement. None of the patients experienced neurological deterioration. There was a significant reduction in visual analog scale scores in both groups after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The vascularity of thoracolumbar metastases could be accurately evaluated using noninvasive CTP. When combined with preoperative embolization, this approach effectively and safely reduced intraoperative blood loss in the setting of separation surgery.

Pre-operative spine tumour embolization: Clinical outcomes and effect of embolization completeness

INTRODUCTION

To assess the association between the impact of the completeness of pre-operative spine tumour embolisation and clinical outcomes, including estimated blood loss (EBL), neurological status and complications.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all preoperative spine tumour embolisation procedures performed over 11 years by a single operator (2007-2018) at Vancouver General Hospital on 44 consecutive patients (mean age 57; 77% males) with 46 embolisation procedures, of which surgery was done en bloc in 26 cases and intralesional in the remaining 20. A multivariable negative binomial regression model was fit to examine the association between EBL and surgery type, tumour characteristics, embolisation completeness and operative duration.

RESULTS

Among intralesional surgeries, complete versus incomplete embolisation was associated with reduced blood loss (772 vs 1428 mL, P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in neurological outcomes or complications between groups. Highly vascular tumours correlated with greater blood loss than their less vascular counterparts, but tumour location did not have a statistically significant effect.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence in support of our hypothesis that complete as opposed to incomplete tumour embolisation correlates with reduced blood loss in intralesional surgeries. Randomised control trials with larger samples are necessary to confirm this benefit and to ascertain other potential clinical benefits.

Assessment of Hidden Blood Loss in Spinal Metastasis Surgery: A Comprehensive Approach with MRI-Based Radiomics Models

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastasis are predisposed to hidden blood loss (HBL), which is associated with poor surgical outcomes but unpredictable.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of MRI-based radiomics models for assess the risk of HBL in patients undergoing spinal metastasis surgery.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

SUBJECTS

202 patients (42.6% female) operated on for spinal metastasis with a mean age of 58 ± 11 years were divided into a training (n = 162) and a validation cohort (n = 40).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5T or 3.0T scanners. Sagittal T1-weighted and fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging sequences.

ASSESSMENT

HBL was calculated using the Gross formula. Patients were classified as low and high HBL group, with 1000 mL as the threshold. Radiomics models were constructed with radiomics features. The radiomics score (Radscore) was obtained from the optimal radiomics model. Clinical variables were accessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Independent risk variables were used to build a clinical model. Clinical variables combined with Radscore were used to establish a combined model.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Predictive performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score. Calibration curves and decision curves analyses were produced to evaluate the accuracy and clinical utility.

RESULTS

Among the radiomics models, the fusion (T1WI + FS-T2WI) model demonstrated the highest predictive efficacy (AUC: 0.744, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.576-0.914). The Radscore model (AUC: 0.809, 95% CI: 0.664-0.954) performs slightly better than the clinical model (AUC: 0.721, 95% CI: 0.524-0.918; P = 0.418) and the combined model (AUC: 0.752, 95% CI: 0.593-0.911; P = 0.178).

DATA CONCLUSION

A radiomics model may serve as a promising assessment tool for the risk of HBL in patients undergoing spinal metastasis surgery, and guide perioperative planning to improve surgical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Preoperative Embolization of Vertebral Metastasis: Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The aim of this review is to determine the safety and efficacy of pre-operative spinal metastases embolization procedures. Two reviewers independently conducted the literature search (on MEDLINE databases), including in the review of all the studies that used pre-operative TAE to treat spinal metastases. Twelve articles on pre-operative spinal metastases embolization were selected. Most of the studies demonstrated the low complication rate of pre-operative embolization. The most important study strength is that there are very few reviews in the literature with the setting on pre-operative vertebral metastases embolization. A limitation of the review is that the studies included were predominately retrospective case-control studies, increasing the risk of bias in the primary data. Plus, divergent surgical and embolization procedures were performed in the studies, causing a potential risk of bias in the pooled results. We can conclude that preoperative arterial embolization of vertebral metastases is a safe, well-tolerated technique that reduces surgical blood loss and facilitates surgical tumor resection.

Surgical management and outcomes of spinal metastasis of malignant adrenal tumor: A retrospective study of six cases and literature review

Purpose

Spinal metastasis of malignant adrenal tumor (SMMAT) is an extremely rare and poorly understood malignant tumor originating from the adrenal gland. The objective of this study is to elucidate the clinical characteristics and discuss surgical management and outcomes of SMMAT.

Methods

Included in this study were six SMMAT patients who received surgical treatment in our center between February 2013 and May 2022. Their clinical data and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed to gain a better understanding of SMMAT. In addition, ten cases from the literature focusing on SMMAT were also reviewed.

Results

Surgery was performed successfully, and the associated symptoms were relieved significantly in all patients postoperatively. The mean follow-up duration was 26.2 (range 3-55) months. Two patients died of tumor recurrence 12 and 48 months after operation respectively. The other four patients were alive at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The prognosis of SMMAT is usually poor. Preoperative embolization and early surgical radical resection can offer satisfactory clinical outcomes. The patient's health status, preoperative neurological function, tumor location and the resection mode are potential prognostic factors of SMMAT.

Preoperative embolization in the treatment of patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: A retrospective analysis

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of preoperative embolization in the treatment of patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 138 MESCC patients who underwent decompressive surgery and spine stabilization was performed in a large teaching hospital. Among all enrolled patients, 46 patients were treated with preoperative embolization (the embolization group), whereas 92 patients did not (the control group). Patient's baseline clinical characteristics, surgery-related characteristics, and postoperative neurological status, complications, and survival prognoses were collected and analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the degree of tumor vascularity between patients with and without preoperative embolization.

Results

Patients with severe hypervascularity experienced more mean blood loss in the control group than in the embolization group, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.02). The number of transfused packed red cells (PRC) showed a similar trend (P=0.01). However, for patients with mild and moderate hypervascularity, both blood loss and the number of PRC transfusion were comparable across the two groups. Regarding decompressive techniques, the embolization group (64.29%, 9/14) had a higher proportion of circumferential decompression in comparison to the control group (30.00%, 9/30) among patients with severe hypervascularity (P=0.03), whereas the rates were similar among patients with mild (P=0.45) and moderate (P=0.54) hypervascularity. In addition, no subgroup analysis revealed any statistically significant differences in operation time, postoperative functional recovery, postoperative complications, or survival outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that higher tumor vascularity (OR[odds ratio]=3.69, 95% CI [confident interval]: 1.30-10.43, P=0.01) and smaller extent of embolization (OR=4.16, 95% CI: 1.10-15.74, P=0.04) were significantly associated with more blood loss.

Conclusions

Preoperative embolization is an effective and safe method in treating MESCC patients with severe hypervascular tumors in terms of intra-operative blood loss and surgical removal of metastatic tumors. Preoperative tumor vascularity and extent of embolization are independent risk factors for blood loss during surgery. This study implies that MESCC patients with severe hypervascular tumors should be advised to undergo preoperative embolization.

The Efficacy and Complications of Preoperative Embolization of Metastatic Spinal Tumors: Risk of Paralysis after Embolization

Introduction

This study investigated the efficacy and complications of preoperative embolization for spinal metastatic tumors, focusing on the etiology of post-embolization paralysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 44 consecutive patients with spinal metastases treated between September 2012 and December 2020. Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative transfusion requirement were compared between the embolization (+) and (−) groups. Complications associated with embolization were reviewed.

Results

Overall, 30 patients (68%) underwent preoperative embolization. All the patients in both groups underwent palliative posterior decompression and fusion. The mean intraoperative blood loss in the overall population was 359 ml (range, minimum-2190 ml) and was 401 ml and 267 ml in the embolization (+) and embolization (−) groups, respectively. Four patients (9%) (2 patients from each group) required blood transfusion. There were no significant between-group differences in blood loss and blood transfusion requirements. All 7 patients with hypervascular tumors were in the embolization (+) group. Two patients experienced muscle weakness in the lower extremities on days 1 and 3 after embolization. There were metastases in T5 and T1-2, and magnetic resonance imaging after embolization showed slight exacerbation of spinal cord compression. The patients showed partial recovery after surgery.

Conclusions

With the predominance of hypervascular tumors in the embolization (+) group, preoperative embolization may positively affect intraoperative bleeding. Embolization of metastatic spinal tumors may pose a risk of paralysis. Although the cause of paralysis remains unclear, it might be due to the aggravation of spinal cord compression. Considering this risk of paralysis, we advocate performing surgery as soon as possible after embolization.

Preoperative embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors: Two case reports

The performance of preoperative embolization on a spinal tumor can be a useful adjunctive procedure that minimizes blood loss and complications, particularly for both metastatic and non-metastatic hypervascular tumors. We discuss two cases of hypervascular spinal tumors that were successfully treated with preoperative embolization and surgery. The first patient was an 18-year-old man who presented with cervical and shoulder pain for two months without paralysis or weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor located in the D2 posterior vertebral arch that extended into the spinal canal and compressed the spinal cord. The second patient was a 68-year-old man with back pain that radiated to the legs for ten days. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the L4 vertebral body. Both patients received tumor embolization and surgery. After surgery, neither patient experienced any major complications. Histological examination revealed osteoblastoma in the first patient and plasmacytoma in the second patient.

Minimally invasive separation surgery for the treatment of spinal metastases with small incision and freehand pedicle screw fixation: the surgical learning curve

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive separation surgery (MISS) is a safe and effective surgical technique, the current optimal treatment for spinal metastases. However, the learning curve for this technique has not been analyzed. This study aimed to define and analyze the surgical learning curve of MISS for the treatment of spinal metastases with small incision and freehand pedicle screw fixation.

METHODS

A continuous series of 62 patients with spinal metastases who underwent MISS were included. Each patient's operative data were accurately counted. The improvement of the patients' neurological function was followed up after surgery to evaluate the surgical treatment effect. Logarithmic curve-fit regression was used to analyze the surgical learning curve of MISS. The number of cases needed to achieve proficiency was analyzed. Based on this cut-off point, this series of cases was divided into the early phase and later phase groups. The influence of the time sequence of MISS on surgical data and surgical efficacy was analyzed.

RESULTS

The operative time decreased gradually with the number of surgical cases increasing and stabilized after the 20th patient. There was no statistical difference in demographic characteristics and preoperative characteristics between the two groups. The mean operative time in the later phase group was about 39 min shorter than that in the early phase group (mean 227.95 vs. 189.02 min, P = 0.027). However, it did not affect other operative data or the surgical treatment effect.

CONCLUSION

The learning curve of MISS for spinal metastases is not steep. With the increase of surgeons' experience, the operative time drops rapidly and stabilizes within a certain range. MISS can be safely and effectively performed at the beginning of a surgeon's caree.

The role of percutaneous transarterial embolization in the management of spinal bone tumors: a literature review

PURPOSE

Spinal bone tumors include a heterogeneous broad of primary or metastatic lesions that may present as incidental findings or manifest with painful symptoms and pathological fractures. Optimal management of spine bone lesions is often difficult and treatment algorithms are usually solidly based on surgery. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of trans-arterial embolization in this field, with particular attention to the procedure efficacy, technical difficulties and complications.

METHODS

We present a literature review on the role of trans-arterial embolization in the management of spinal bone tumors, both primary and metastatic, evaluating its contribution as preoperative treatment, palliative procedure and standalone curative strategy.

RESULTS

Trans-arterial embolization provides an important contribution to reducing surgery hemorrhagic risks, offering a better visualization of the operating field, and possibly increasing tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Nonetheless, it plays an important part in pain palliation, with the unquestionable advantage of being easily repeatable in case of necessity. Its curative role as a standalone therapy is still subject of debate, and at the present time, satisfactory results have been recorded only in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous trans-arterial embolization has established as a highly useful minimally invasive procedure in the management of spinal bone lesions, particularly as adjuvant preoperative therapy and palliative treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation may improve the beneficial results of vertebroplasty for vertebral hemangiomas: analysis of 46 patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of vertebroplasty (VP) alone or combined therapy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with vertebroplasty on pain relief with visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores in vertebral hemangiomas.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with hemangiomas were evaluated retrospectively: 20 males and 26 females were included. In group 1 (n = 25) only VP was performed, while RFA+VP were performed in the same treatment session in group 2 (n = 21). Radiological diagnosis was performed with X-ray, CT-scan and MRI images in all patients. The intensity of pain was assessed with the VAS together with the assesment of life quality with the ODI. The assesments were performed before, at first day, at first month and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between mean preprocedural VAS and ODI scores, but a significant decrease was seen in postprocedural VAS and ODI scores between group 1 and 2, when compared with the preprocedural values. Although lack of a statistically significant difference in long term results, mean VAS score was 3.7 for group 1, while it was 1.8 for group 2, and the mean ODI score was 38 for group 1, and 22.48 for group 2 at 6th month assesment.

DISCUSSION

Although minimally invasive percutaneous techniques are indicated as other modalities are ineffective or contraindicated, combining RFA with vertebral augmentation provide prevention of mechanical loading pain, and prevention of somatic pain in patients with spinal hemangiomas.

Neurologic Complications of Preoperative Embolization of Spinal Metastasis: A Systemic Review of the Literature Identifying Distinct Mechanisms of Injury

BACKGROUND

Preoperative embolization of spinal metastases may improve outcomes of resection by reducing surgical blood loss and operative time. Neurologic complications are rarely reported and the mechanisms leading to injury are poorly described.

METHODS

We present 2 illustrative cases of embolization-related neurologic injury from distinct mechanisms and the findings of a systemic literature review of similar complications according to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A 77-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma presented with gait dyscoordination and arm pain/weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a C7/T1 mass causing severe compression of the C7/T1 roots and spinal cord. After embolization and tumor resection/fusion, lethargy prompted imaging showing multiple posterior circulation infarcts believed to be secondary to reflux of embolic particles. A 75-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma presented with L1 level metastasis causing conus compression and experienced paraplegia after superselective particle embolization presumed to be secondary to flow disruption of the artery of Adamkiewicz. Analysis of the literature yielded 6 articles reporting instances of cranial infarction/ischemia occurring in 10 patients, 12 articles reporting spinal cord ischemia/infarction occurring in 17 patients, and 5 articles reporting symptomatic postembolization tumoral swelling in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurologic injury is a risk of preoperative embolization of spinal metastasis from either compromise of spinal cord vascular supply or cranial stroke from reflux of embolic particles. Postprocedural tumor swelling rarely leads to clinical deficit. Awareness of these complications and the presumed mechanisms of injury may aid clinicians in implementing interventions and in counseling patients before treatment.

Embolization of Basilar Tip Aneurysm via Ascending Cervical Artery

BACKGROUND

Unusual vascular anatomy can present treatment challenges as traditional approaches may be unfeasible.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this case we describe a patient who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured basilar apex aneurysm, with an occluded left vertebral artery and severely stenotic right vertebral artery. Coil embolization was performed via catheterization of an ascending cervical artery, with a successful clinical and radiographic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This demonstrates novel use of an endovascular technique in the setting of multiple vascular pathologies.

The evolution of pre-operative spine tumour embolization

Pre-operative spine tumour embolization is a useful adjunct to minimize operative complications and blood loss during complex resections. While the efficacy of this procedure has been well studied, relatively little is documented regarding how to optimize technical parameters for tumour characteristics. This pictorial case series seeks to review our centre's experience over the last decade in using a range of embolization techniques. As experience with this procedure has matured, we propose an approach based on the patient's vascular anatomy and tumour angioarchitecture. This includes the use of coils as protective barriers rather than primary embolics; particle embolization to permeate fine capillary networks; consideration for liquid embolic agents in the presence of large caliber tumour vessels with associated arteriovenous shunting; and percutaneous intralesional embolization when endovascular access is insufficient to achieve the desired outcome. In many cases, a combination of these methods is needed, and close communication with the surgeon ensures the best outcome. Despite these advances, continued work is needed to determine how to optimize complete devascularization, and thus surgical benefit, while safely sparing critical neuroanatomical structures.

Clinical presentation, management and outcomes of sacral metastases: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study

Background

Sacral metastases are rare and literature regarding their management is sparse. This multicenter, prospective, observational study aimed to determine health related-quality of life (HRQOL) and pain in patients treated for sacral metastases with surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT). The secondary objectives were to describe the adverse event (AE) profile and change in neurologic function in this population.

Methods

Twenty-three patients presenting with symptomatic sacral metastases were identified from the Epidemiology, Process and Outcomes of Spine Oncology (EPOSO) dataset, a prospective multicenter study on spinal metastases. Patients requiring surgery and/or RT between August 2013 and February 2017 were prospectively enrolled. HRQOL, assessed by the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQv2.0), the Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2), and the EuroQol-5Dimension (EQ-5D) was documented at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Pain numeric rating scale (NRS), AEs, lower extremities motor score (ASIA), and bowel and bladder function were also recorded.

Results

Eight patients underwent surgery ± RT and 15 patients underwent RT alone. Mean age was 59.3 (SD 11.7) years and 13 patients were female. At 6 months, 3 (37.5%) surgical patients and 2 (13.3%) RT patients were deceased. There was a trend showing that surgical patients had worse baseline HRQOL and pain. Pain NRS, EQ-5D, SOSGOQv2.0, and the mental component of the SF-36v2 showed improvement, irrespective of treatment (P>0.05). Ten AEs occurred in the surgical cohort, dominated by wound complications (n=3). Bowel and bladder function improved at 6 weeks in both groups.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment and RT are both valid treatment options for symptomatic sacral metastases. Improvement in HRQOL can be expected with an acceptable AE rate.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Embolization for Non-Hypervascular Metastatic Spine Tumors

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of preoperative embolization for hypervascular metastatic spine disease (MSD) such as renal cell and thyroid cancers has been reported. However, the debate on the efficacy of preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD still remains unsettled. The purpose of this study is to determine whether preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD decreases perioperative blood loss.

METHODS

A total of 79 patients (36 cases of preoperative embolization and 43 cases of non-embolization) who underwent surgery for metastatic spine lesions were included. Representative hypervascular tumors such as renal cell and thyroid cancers were excluded. Intraoperative and perioperative estimated blood losses (EBL), total number of transfusion and calibrated EBL were recorded in the embolization and non-embolization groups. The differences in EBL were also compared along with the type of surgery. In addition, the incidence of Adamkiewicz artery and complications of embolization were assessed.

RESULTS

The average age of 50 males and 29 females was 57.6±13.5 years. Lung (30), hepatocellular (14), gastrointestinal (nine) and others (26) were the primary cancers. The demographic data was not significantly different between the embolization and the non-embolization groups. There were no significant differences in intraoperative EBL, perioperative EBL, total transfusion and calibrated EBL between two groups. However, intraoperative EBL and total transfusion in patients with preoperative embolization were significantly lower than in non-embolization in the corpectomy group (1645.5 vs. 892.6 mL, p=0.017 for intraoperative EBL and 6.1 vs. 3.9, p=0.018 for number of transfusion). In addition, the presence of Adamkiewicz artery at the index level was noted in two patients. Disruption of this major feeder artery resulted in significant changes in intraoperative neuromonitoring.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD did not reduce perioperative blood loss. However, the embolization significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding and total transfusion in corpectomy group. Moreover, the procedure provided insights into the anatomy of tumor and spinal cord vasculature.

Successful treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma with sacrum metastases: A case report

RATIONALE

Malignant pheochromocytoma in the spine is a rare disease without standard curative managements so far. The objective of this article is to report a very rare case of malignant pheochromocytoma with sacrum metastases causing severe lumbosacral pain, which was presented with acute radiculopathy and treated with three operations combined with cement augmentation and stabilization. The management of these unique cases has yet to be well-documented.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 58-year-old man presented with lumbosacral pain, radiating pain and numbness of the right extremity. The patient underwent excision of right adrenal pheochromocytoma in 2010. Imaging studies revealed the density of soft tissues, obvious bony destruction in the sacrum, and significant spinal cord obstruction.

DIAGNOSES

We believe this is the first report of malignant pheochromocytoma with sacrum metastases.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent tissue biopsy and osteoplasty after embolization of the internal iliac artery in January 2015, and exploratory surgery, circumferential spinal cord decompression, and a stabilization procedure via a posterior approach in June 2015 due to spinal canal stenosis caused by cement. Since the position of pedicle screw was not good enough, a revision surgery was performed the next day following the procedures in June 2015.

OUTCOMES

The patient's neurological deficits improved significantly after the third surgery, and the postoperative period was uneventful at the three-year follow-up visit.

LESSONS

We recommend the posterior approach for spinal decompression of the metastatic pheochromocytoma when the tumor has caused neurological deficits. Osteoplasty by cement augmentation is also a good choice for surgical treatment. However, the potential risk of complications in bone cement applications need to be fully recognized.

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA METASTASIS OF THE SPINE: BLEEDING CONTROL METHODS

ABSTRACT Objective: This report compares various methods of bleeding control, and their influence on outcome and survival after decompression procedures for spinal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (MRCC). Methods: A retrospective study. All patients underwent palliative decompression procedures. We compared 3 groups of patients stratified by methods of bleeding control. The first group (EMB) included 22 patients who underwent preoperative embolization of a tumor. The second group (HEM) consisted of 20 patients, treated surgically using intraoperative local hemostatic agents. In the third group (COMBI) 15 patients were treated with a combination of methods. Results: The average intraoperative blood loss for the EMB group was slightly less than the average for the HEM and COMBI groups, but without significant differences. The postoperative drainage loss in the HEM and COMBI groups was significantly less than in EMB group. The complication rate (infections, hematomas, neurological deficit) was practically equal in all groups. No statistically significant differences in local tumor recurrence and overall survival were found between groups. Conclusions: The overall results did not show that usage of different bleeding control methods can affect early or long-term outcomes. Level of Evidence III; retrospective study.

Which is the better timing between embolization and surgery for hypervascular spinal tumors, the same day or the next day?: A retrospective comparative study

Previous series presented the timing between embolization and surgery in a wide range on the basis of their experience rather than supportive data. And comparative studies were limited to small samples. In addition, there is no study publishing the timing by considering both safety and efficacy of embolization. The aim of this study was to determine the better timing (the same day or the next day) between embolization and surgery for hypervascular spinal tumors by assessing the safety and efficacy of embolization.One hundred twenty-five embolizations with subsequent 120 operations for hypervascular spinal tumors between January 2010 and April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The time between embolization and surgery was mainly determined by interventional radiologist schedules and operating room available. Major complications of embolization were documented. The efficacy of embolization was compared between the same day and the next day group.Of the 125 embolizations, there were 4 major complications, all of which occurred on the same day of procedure. Of the 120 operations, 36 cases were operated on the same day of embolization, 74 on the next day, and 10 on the second day. When comparing the efficacy of embolization between the same day and the next day group, intraoperative blood loss (1483 ± 1475 vs 1548 ± 1099 mL, P = .80), intraoperative transfusion requirement (1011 ± 1200 vs 1112 ± 890 mL, P = .62), and postoperative blood loss (1146 ± 933 vs 1031 ± 777 mL, P = .50) were not significantly different.Embolization carries certain risks (4/125, 3.2%) for major complications, which may occur within the time window of 1 day. Two patient groups showed no difference on the efficacy of embolization. Operation should be scheduled on the next day of embolization if possible.

Gelfoam embolization or 125I seed implantation may be a more effective treatment than surgical treatment for giant benign sacral neurogenic tumors

Background

The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of computed tomography (CT)-guided iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) seed implantation or gelatin sponge particle (GSP) embolization on patients with giant benign sacral neurogenic tumors.

Methods

A total of 24 cases with giant sacral neurogenic tumor were performed in a retrospective study between 2000 and 2012. Nineteen cases received surgical resection, and five cases received non-surgical treatment. In surgical group, patients with type III sacral tumor had received a combined anterior-posterior approach and patients with type IV were treated with simple anterior approach. In non-surgical group, CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation or GSP embolization was applied to occlude vessels. Besides, CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the size and development of tumors.

Results

Two of the five patients were treated three times with GSP embolization, one had received GSP embolization combined with CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation, one case did not receive any treatment, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Patients in non-surgical group were followed up for 2–8 years.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation or GSP embolization treatment is very useful to slow down the development of giant benign sacral neurogenic tumors.

Preoperative embolization versus local hemostatic agents in surgery of hypervascular spinal tumors

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no consensus about how to reduce the intraoperative risk of hemorrhage in spinal decompression surgery of hypervascular spinal tumors, such as aggressive hemangioma, multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, metastasis of renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 110 patients, operated in our institute was held in the period between 2003 and 2013. There were 69 male and 41 female patients with extradural hypervascular spinal tumor. The study included 61 patients with metastasis of renal cell carcinoma, 27 with multiple myeloma, 15 with plasmacytoma and 7 with aggressive hemangioma. The first group included 57 patients who underwent preoperative tumor embolization. The second group consisted of 53 patients, which were treated surgically using intraoperative local hemostatic agents. We performed 2 types of treatment options: palliative decompression and total spondylectomy. The first group was divided into two subgroups: 30 patients with palliative decompression (1PD) and 27 with total spondylectomy (1TS). In the second group there were: 28 patients with palliative decompression (2PD) and 25 with total spondylectomy (2TS). The parameters under evaluation were the blood loss volume, drainage loss, operation time, hemoglobin level, possible complications and time of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The average intraoperative blood loss for all embolized patients was slightly less than in subgroups with local hemostatic agents. No significant difference in blood loss volume was found between groups 1PD and 2PD (p > 0.05). In groups 1TS and 2TS, we did get significant difference (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference in the average drainage loss was found between two methods of hemostasis in both subgroups (p < 0.05). The operation time was not significantly different between groups. Postoperative hemoglobin level reduce is almost equal in both groups of patients. Postoperative complications were also nearly equal in the groups. The average hospital stay was significantly less (p < 0.05) in groups with 2PD and 2TS.

CONCLUSIONS

The research proves that for patients with hypervascular spinal tumors, who underwent palliative decompression, there is no significant difference between two methods of reducing blood loss. Therefore, we do not see reasons to use expensive and risky procedure of embolization for such patients. While for patients with total spondylectomy preoperative embolization is efficient to reduce intraoperative bleeding.