ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the safety and feasibility of en-bloc resection of a primary sacral chordona based on a 3-dimensional printing model.Methods 31 patients with primary sacral chordoma underwent en-bloc resection via a onestage posterior approach or combined anterior and posterior approaches in our oncology department from January 2013 to December 2014.They comprised 21 males and 10 females of mean age (49.2±12.5) years (range,26-67 years).Preoperative 3-D printing models were created by 3D printing technology,it included tumor tissue,the around vascular and nerves involved in sacral chordoma.The sacral chordomas were en-bloc resection with decompression and internal fixation.Results With the mean (29.0±6.8)months follow-up (range from 19 to 41),all patients underwent en bloc excision via 26 cases with posterior approach,5 cases combined posterior and anterior approaches in one stage.The mean operative time and estimated blood loss were (275.0±58.1) min and (3 250.0±1 304.4) ml,respectively.The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was (5.6±1.9) in average (range from 3 to 9) at preoperation,and (2.0±1.5) at post-operation,which was significantly lower than that of preoperation,and the pain was relief obviously.There were 13 cases in grade C,11 cases in grade D,7 cases in grade E of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade neurological function before surgery,compared with the pre-operation,there were 5 cases in grade C,6 cases in grade D,20 cases in grade E of post-operation,which was significantly improved.MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society) 93 score was 6-29 points (20.0％-96.7％) at the follow-up 3 months after surgery,with the average of (19.8 ± 5.8) points,which excellent in 8 cases,good in 14 cases,general in 5 cases,poor in 4 cases.Two cases of dysporia for the reasons of resecting on one side of the S1,2 nerve roots involved by the sacral chordoma,after sacrificing the nerve root of complete tumor resection,the urine left dysfunctional,while the pain of other 29 patients were thoroughly relief after surgery.The ones were relieved with the disturbance of sensation of the perineum before the operation.2 cases were recovery of leakage of cerebrospinal by the drainage of lumbar cistern with normal temperature.One hypostatic pneumonia patient was cured by anti-inflammatory.One with the urinary infection got better by the effective bladder irrigation,which had diabetics mellitus with the bladder stoma before.1 case of skin necrosis due to vascular thrombosis before operation,recevied flap translocation half month after surgery,got recovery 3 months later.Only one underwent tumor resection for the recurrence at 15 months follow-up.Conclusion It is feasible and safe to perform en bloc resection of primary sacral chordoma.This is the most effective means of managing method of the marginal resection of the tumor.Preoperative 3-D printing modeling enables better anatomical understanding of the relationship between the tumor,and can avoid vascular and nerves tissue injury,which can also assist in planning the surgical procedure,and be worth recommendation.