Purpose
To evaluate the impact of preoperative embolization in both primary and metastatic spinal tumor.
Material and methods
From 1999 to 2005, preoperative embolization was performed in 12 vertebral tumors (primary or metastatic) followed by partial or complete surgical resection and spinal stabilization. The hypervascular tumors were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA) (150-500 μm) in 7 patients and with trisacryl (Embosphere®) in the remaining 5 patients. Metal coils were also used in 3 patients in order to avoid the embolization of non-target areas.
Results
Embolization was complete in 3 patients, quite complete in 7 patients and partial in 2 patients. All the patients underwent a complete or partial surgical resection 24-96 hours after the embolization procedure. No complications were observed after performing the embolization, leading to a decrease in the intraoperative blood loss and facilitating the surgical resection.
Conclusion
Spinal bone peoperative embolization is a safe, effective technique in the preoperative management of both primary and secondary spinal tumors.