Three-level en bloc spondylectomy for chordoma

Mechanical Failure After Total En Bloc Spondylectomy and Salvage Surgery

Objective

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is a curative surgical method for spinal tumors. After resecting the 3 spinal columns, reconstruction is of paramount importance. We present cases of mechanical failure and suggest strategies for salvage surgery.

Methods

The medical records of 19 patients who underwent TES (9 for primary tumors and 10 for metastatic tumors) were retrospectively reviewed. Previously reported surgical techniques were used, and the surgical extent was 1 level in 16 patients and 2 levels in 3 patients. A titanium-based mesh-type interbody spacer filled with autologous and cadaveric bone was used for anterior support, and a pedicle screw/rod system was used for posterior support. Radiotherapy was performed in 11 patients (pre-TES, 5; post-TES, 6). They were followed up for 59 ± 38 months (range, 11–133 months).

Results

During follow-up, 8 of 9 primary tumor patients (89%) and 5 of 10 metastatic tumor patients (50%) survived (mean survival time, 124 ± 8 months vs. 51 ± 13 months; p=0.11). Mechanical failure occurred in 3 patients (33%) with primary tumors and 2 patients (20%) with metastatic tumors (p=0.63). The mechanical failure-free time was 94.4 ± 14 months (primary tumors, 95 ± 18 months; metastatic tumors, 68 ± 16 months; p=0.90). Revision surgery was performed in 4 of 5 patients, and bilateral broken rods were replaced with dual cobalt-chromium alloy rods. Repeated rod fractures occurred in 1 of 4 patients 2 years later, and the third operation (with multiple cobalt-chromium alloy rods) was successful for over 6 years.

Conclusion

Considering the difficulty of reoperation and patients’ suffering, preemptive use of a multiple-rod system may be advisable.

Total en bloc resection of primary and metastatic spine tumors

Primary and metastatic tumors of the spine represent a significant cause of patient morbidity, and present a management challenge to treating providers. From a neurosurgical standpoint, resection surgery may be warranted in cases of spinal instability, progressive disease, neurological compromise, or intractable symptoms. Removal of a tumor "en bloc" offers a more aggressive modality over more conservative resection techniques. En bloc resection entails the removal of the entirety of a tumor without violation of its capsule, and may offer improved rates of local control and overall survival in appropriately selected patients. Conversely, this technique carries a higher complication rate, and requires a unique set of technical skills as compared to more traditional resection. Here, we describe the technical aspects of en bloc resection, as well as specific indications and considerations when employing this operative technique.

A giant lumbar chordoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Chordomas are malignant neoplasms derived from incomplete regression of notochordal tissue along the craniococcygeal axis.It is rare for Chordoma arising from the lumbar spine and the traditional long-term prognosis is typically poor.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The persistent pain in the left side of the waist about 2 years.

DIAGNOSES

Chordoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with surgical resection of the total tumor, followed by the spinal internal fixation of L1 to L2 with pedicle screws.

OUTCOMES

After 5 month follow-up,we find the recurrence in the original lesion.At the 15 month follow-up,the patient was dead after a lot of times revisit by various doctor.

LESSONS

So It is suggest that the diagnosis should be carried out accurately at the early stage, the lesions and source of lesions should be cut away as broadly as possible, also the radiation and chemotherapy should be carried out after the operation as necessary.

L4 and L5 spondylectomy for en bloc resection of giant cell tumor and review of the literature

Study Design Case report and review of the literature.

Objective We present the case of a two-level lumbar spondylectomy at L4 and L5 for en bloc resection of a giant cell tumor (GCT) and lumbopelvic reconstruction.

Methods A 58-year-old woman presented with a 7-month history of progressive intractable back and leg pain secondary to a biopsy-proven Enneking stage III GCT of the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The patient underwent a successful L4–L5 spondylectomy and lumbopelvic reconstruction using a combined posterior and anterior approach over two operative stages.

Results Postoperative complications included a deep wound infection and a cerebrospinal fluid leak; however, following surgical debridement and long-term antibiotic treatment, the patient was neurologically intact with minimal pain and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence or instrumentation failure at more than 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion Spondylectomy that achieves en bloc resection is a viable and effective treatment option that can be curative for Enneking stage III GCTs involving the lower lumbar spine. The lumbosacral junction represents a challenging anatomic location for spinal reconstruction after spondylectomy with unique technical considerations.

Acute cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar chordoma: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Chordomas are rare tumors in the craniospinal axis arising from persistent notochordal rests commonly seen in the skull base, including the clivus and the sacrum. Chordomas in the mobile spine occur less commonly. To the best of our knowledge, the clinical presentation of acute cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to chordoma of the lumbar vertebra is not published in the English literature.

PURPOSE

To describe an unusual cause of acute CES resulting from chordoma of the lumbar vertebra and discuss management dilemmas in this clinical context.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report with review and discussion.

METHODS

We report the case of a 75-year-old man who presented with acute CES that was clinically considered a metastasis from his previously documented carcinoma of the urinary bladder treated a year ago. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of the case and a review of chordomas in the lumbar vertebrae in adults in the published English literature are presented.

RESULTS

He underwent urgent surgical decompression with laminectomy of L3/L4 and L4/L5 with debulking and open biopsy of the tissue mass. Histopathological examination of the tissue mass confirmed the unsuspected diagnosis of chordoma. The salient features of chordomas in the lumbar vertebrae published in the English literature over the last 22 years are summarized. The origin, classification, clinical presentation, and management protocols for lumbar chordomas are also reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation of acute CES as the first symptom of chordoma in the lumbar vertebrae is extremely rare. Preoperative tissue diagnosis of this uncommon pathology is usually unavailable. In the face of acute CES, surgical decompression remains the primary goal of management with a planned definitive second-stage curative surgical resection for chordoma.