[Selective arterial embolization for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tumor]

To decrease intraoperative blood loss during tumor resection.

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.

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.

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.