JAAOS Glob Res Rev, 2022 · DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-22-00201 · Published: November 1, 2022
This study presents a minimally invasive surgical option for treating spinal cord compression in the neck caused by cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body. The method involves using an endoscope to directly remove the tumor and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. A 54-year-old man with liver cancer experienced progressive pain and weakness due to a tumor compressing his spinal cord in the neck. The tumor was successfully removed using the endoscopic technique, leading to complete neurologic recovery within a month. The endoscopic technique is considered a feasible and optional minimally invasive approach for decompressing cervical metastasis that causes unilateral radiculopathy and can serve as an alternative to palliative surgery.
The posterior full-endoscopic decompression presents a viable alternative to traditional palliative surgery for metastatic cervical spine tumors.
This technique offers a minimally invasive approach that can reduce blood loss, shorten surgical time, and promote early postoperative ambulation, especially beneficial for frail patients.
The reported case demonstrates the potential for complete neurological recovery and symptom relief through effective tumor mass resection and spinal decompression.