Spinal cord decompression: an endoscopically assisted approach for metastatic tumors

The paper describes a technique for complete vertebrectomy and spinal cord decompression, followed by a formal anterior column reconstruction, using endoscopic instruments. This procedure is indicated for patients with radioresistant metastasis of the thoracic spine, particularly those involving the upper thoracic segments where a thoracotomy is difficult and carries a high morbidity, and for patients with pulmonary disease who cannot tolerate a standard thoracotomy. Results in nine consecutive cases are reported.

To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of endoscopically assisted decompression and stabilization through a single, extrapleural, posterolateral approach.

The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Posterolateral decompression of the thoracic spinal cord offers potential advantages over traditional combined procedures (anterior thoracotomy and posterior instrumentation), including reduced operative time, decreased morbidity, and reduced hospital stay. Previous studies have not demonstrated the same neurological benefit for posterolateral decompression as for anterior vertebrectomy and decompression, however, Surgical indications, rationale and technique for an improved posterolateral approach, augmented by endoscopic methods, are provided, and initial clinical results are described.

Drawbacks to the traditional posterolateral decompressions have included poor visualization of the spinal cord and anterior tumor, poor access to tumor on the side contralateral to the approach, and the need to manipulate the spinal cord to completely remove both adjacent tumor and tumor adherent to the dura. Transpedicular decompression using endoscopy is described in nine patients. The mean operative time for the combined procedure was 6.0 h, with a mean blood loss of 1677 cc. Neurological recovery and maintenance were excellent. Inpatient days averaged 6.5, and ICU days averaged 1.4. Two patients died of disease eight and 14 months post-op, and seven were living, with disease, 3-36 months after surgery.

Endoscopically assisted decompression can reduce morbidity, hospitalization, and treatment costs while matching the efficacy of traditional combined procedures. Endoscopy provides a readily available and easily applied tool that dramatically improves the surgeon's vision, providing light, magnification, and a direct view of remote structures.