While spinal cancer is one of the rarest forms of this disease, it does happen, and tumor resection is required to remove the cancerous tissue and facilitate healing. Spinal tumors generally form along the spinal cord and can press on nerves in the spine, creating compression. Most spinal tumors are benign (not malignant), and pose no overt threat to the patient’s health. However, the compression created by these tumors can cause serious pain and loss of mobility. To find out more about tumor resection and other spinal treatments, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.
What Does Resection Mean
Resection is simply the term used for the procedure in which spinal tumors are removed from the patient’s spine. However, the surgery actually includes a number of different procedures in order to extract the tumor from the spinal canal, including a laminectomy.
How Does Tumor Resection Work?
Tumor resection is generally done through a posterior incision (from the rear). However, laparoscopic procedures allow surgeons to resect the tumor from either the side (lateral) or the front (anterior) as well. The exact entry method will depend on the location of the tumor in the spine and the surgeon’s determination of which will be the ideal solution. This determination will be made based on extensive examination through CT scans, x-rays and other medical imaging techniques (including an MRI in some cases).
Whether the surgeon enters the spine from the posterior, a lateral incision or the anterior position, the actual procedure followed is almost the same. The main benefits offered by lateral and anterior incisions are reduced healing time due to a less invasive procedure overall. However, these are not the right options for all patients.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep for the duration. The surgeon will begin monitoring spinal cord function before the surgery, and will continue to monitor function throughout. A laminectomy is performed (the lamina is removed from the vertebra housing the tumor). The tumor will then be removed using minimally invasive micro-surgical techniques. The surgeon will dissect the tumor from the surrounding healthy tissue, and ensure there is no damage to the spinal cord or the disc.
A sample of the tumor will be cut away and sent for analysis to ensure it is not malignant, and the surgeon will then close the incision site once more.
The Recovery from Tumor Resection
Tumor resection surgery recovery will usually require several days. The surgeon will admit the patient to the hospital and keep them there for observation after the surgery. Bed rest is generally mandatory to help ensure the wound heals properly. Physical therapy/rehabilitation is generally required after surgery as well. Patients will not be able to return to normal activities (particularly strenuous activity) until the surgeon clears them.
To learn more about tumor resection surgery or other treatment options for spinal health problems, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.