Pre-Operative Embolisation of Musculoskeletal Tumours - A Single Centre Experience

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Musculoskeletal tumour management is complex, often necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.
• Preoperative embolisation is a common strategy to mitigate intraoperative blood loss and surgical complications.
• This study evaluates the safety, technical success, and efficacy of preoperative embolisation in musculoskeletal tumours.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and technical success of preoperative embolisation for musculoskeletal tumours.
• To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative embolisation in reducing intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.
• To determine the feasibility of preoperative embolisation as an adjunct for major tumour resections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 13 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative embolisation for musculoskeletal tumours between May 2012 and January 2016.
• Data collected included patient demographics, tumour characteristics, embolisation techniques, and surgical procedures.
• Outcomes assessed were technical success of embolisation, intraoperative blood loss, and blood product transfusion requirements.

Main Results:

• Technical success was achieved in all 13 patients.
• The mean intraoperative blood loss was 1403ml (range: 150ml–6900ml).
• Sixty-two percent of patients (8/13) required intraoperative blood product transfusions; no major complications occurred during embolisation.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative trans-arterial embolisation is a safe and feasible option for large, hypervascular musculoskeletal tumours.
• The findings suggest that preoperative embolisation may reduce perioperative blood product transfusion requirements.
• This technique is a valuable adjunct for major tumour resections associated with a high risk of bleeding.