Preoperative embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors: current practice and center experience

Preoperative transarterial embolization of hypervascular spinal tumors has been extensively used, and is considered to be a highly effective adjuvant technique in reducing intraoperative blood loss during surgery. Moreover, it has been reported to increase the feasibility and safety of the surgical procedure, leading to better surgical outcomes. We review the English literature in an attempt to identify indications, appropriate timing of embolization in relation to surgery, technical aspects of the procedure, complications, and the contribution of embolization to the surgical management of spinal tumors. In addition, we report our experience with embolization of hypervascular metastases.