Objective: To decrease intraoperative blood loss during tumor resection.
Methods: Fifteen patients with primary thoraco-lumbar spinal tumor [giant cell tumor (5 patients), malignant nerinoma (2), chordoma (1), fibrous xanthosarcoma (1), malignant fibrohistocytoma (1), osteosarcoma (1), Ewing sarcoma (1), myeloma (1), leimyosarcoma (1), Non-Hodgkin diseases (1)] were treated by means of preoperative selective arterial embolization, tumor resection, and spinal reconstruction. Eight patients were subjected to total spondylectomy in one stage.
Results: Fourteen patients showed satisfactory results after embolization. The volume of intraoperative blood loss ranged from 3,000 ml to 400 ml (average 1,200 ml). Follow up of the patients varied from 8 months to 19 years (average 48.7 months). Local recurrence happened in 3 patients; 3 patients died from metastasis. Three of 4 patients recovered from complete bowel movement and urination. Seven of nine patients had musical strength improved. Six of 8 patients had recovery of the e sensation of the lower limbs.
Conclusions: Selective arterial embolization before operation followed by operation within 24 hours can reduce intraoperative blood loss, shorten operative time, and provide a clear operative field for tumor resection.