Minimally Invasive Procedures

Spinal tumor ablation

Vertebral tumor ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat painful tumors of the spine. In most cases, these tumors are metastatic, meaning that they have spread to the spine from elsewhere, like the lung or the breast. Commonly, these tumors cause fractures of the vertebra, resulting in extensive pain.

Until recently, treatment for patients with spinal tumors has focused on traditional means of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Because the fracture is not addressed, pain may continue. With tumor ablation and augmentation, the fracture is stabilized at the same time that tumor is removed. This minimally invasive procedure is complimentary to traditional treatment methods, and can be carried out either before or after chemotherapy and radiation.

In vertebral tumor ablation and augmentation, a small metal tube, or cannula is inserted through a small skin incision. The cannula is placed in the affected vertebrae and navigated to the site of the tumor. Once at the site of tumor, a device called a cavity spine wand is inserted through the cannula. Using a technology called coblation, the wand vaporizes tumor, leaving a cavity. This tissue debulking is followed by a cement injection to stabilize the vertebral body.

The treatment usually results in immediate improvement of fracture-related pain, increased functionality and improved quality of life, all of which potentially benefit the patient immediately and throughout their oncology treatment. Vertebral tumor ablation and augmentation can be performed prior to or after radiation therapy. However, treatment prior to radiation can more readily alleviate pain.