Minimally invasive transpedicular vertebrectomy for metastatic disease to the thoracic spine

We present a series of 8 patients with thoracic metastatic disease causing acute neurologic decline. We present minimally invasive posterolateral vertebrectomy and decompression as an effective approach in patients with significant comorbidities and as palliative care.

Metastatic disease to the spine is common and frequently occurs in the thoracic vertebrae. Posterior laminectomy alone has generally been found to be ineffective in the management of spinal metastatic disease with neurologic compromise as most compression occurs ventrally. Patients with significant comorbidities are often unable to tolerate extensive surgery involving a thoracotomy. Limited life expectancy and quality of life issues also often argue against extensive surgery.

Eight patients (mean age 74 y) with thoracic metastatic disease and acute neurologic compromise underwent a minimally invasive posterolateral vertebrectomy and partial tumor resection. Patients were considered unsuitable for an open anterior approach owing to age, comorbidities, and limited life expectancies. In the operating room, patients were positioned prone. A paramedian incision measuring 3 cm allowed the introduction of sequential dilators and the placement of a 22-mm diameter tubular retractor. Dorsal decompression was accomplished and partial vertebrectomy was performed for ventral decompression. Radiation was used postoperatively in all patients.

There were no complications due to the procedure. Improvement of at least 1 grade on the Nurick scale was noted in 5 of 8 (62.5%) patients. Two patients were able to ambulate independently immediately after surgery despite having significant paraparesis preoperatively. Pain improved in 5 of 8 (62.5%) patients postoperatively according to the numerical pain score. Average inpatient length of stay was 4 days after the procedure. Mean blood loss was 227 mL and mean length of the procedure was 2.2 hours.

Minimally invasive transpedicular vertebrectomy is an effective palliative treatment option for thoracic metastatic disease in patients not eligible for more extensive anterior transthoracic surgery and stabilization.