Our spine surgeons are uniquely trained in the removal of spinal tumors and may use minimally invasive techniques involving very small incisions to help minimize tissue trauma.
What is the difference between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for spine tumor removal?
Our spine providers use minimally invasive surgical techniques that may support a quicker recovery and earlier return to activity compared with traditional open spine surgery approaches. Unlike open spine surgery, which typically requires a larger incision and may cause greater disruption to surrounding tissues and muscles, minimally invasive approaches use smaller incisions to help minimize tissue trauma. This may reduce the amount of healing required and support a more efficient recovery.
Patient case study
In the images following, a 30 year old patient was diagnosed with a large two inch nerve tumor. The spine tumor was causing weakness and numbness in his quadriceps.
The patient visited another institution where the surgeon suggested the tumor be removed through a large open surgery and simultaneous back fusion.
The spine tumor is demonstrated below on the pre-operative MRI.
About spinal tumors and treatment considerations
Spinal tumors that develop from the nerve roots that come off the spinal cord are known as nerve sheath tumors. This type of tumor (schwannomas and neurofibromas) is commonly benign and slow to spread.
Treatment decisions in patients with spinal tumors are complex. The surgeon and patient will work together to develop the best treatment plan for each individual patient.
Minimally invasive techniques to remove spinal tumors
In the operating room, the spine surgeon identifies the appropriate location and makes a very small incision using X-ray guidance.
The surgeon then uses careful X-ray guidance to place a minimally invasive retractor, providing access to the spinal tumor.Â
Next, the surgeon isolates the tumor and works under a microscope through the minimally invasive portal to carefully resect the tumor.
With careful dissection, the tumor is completely removed while vital nerve structures and function is preserved.
The incision after closure of the small wound
The patient in this case study did not require a spinal fusion due to the use of the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques. The patient regained full strength in his leg, and the postoperative MRI (below) showed no residual tumor.
