ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with single spinal metastasis of thoracic, lumbar or sacral vertebra treated with microwave ablation in situ.Methods:For 28 patients with single spinal metastasis of thoracic, lumbar or sacral vertebra, detailed and personal surgical plans were carried out. Instead of en bloc resection, hyperthermia ablation in situ was performed followed by strengthening procedures under the guidance of G-arm fluoroscopy machine. Intraoperatively, spinal cord and nerve root were properly protected. The bone defects were reconstructed by bone cement after the diseased lesions were revomed. All patients were followed up for almost 1 year postoperatively. During follow-up, X-ray and MRI images were obtained, and the level of pain and neurologic outcomes were also examined.Results:All 28 patients successfully received microwave ablation in situ. The average ablation time was approximately 8 minutes and the average amount of bone cement implanted was approximately 10.5 ml. The pain scores of digital pain classification before and 3 months after operation were 7.86±1.58 and 3.07±1.89( P<0.05). The postoperative neurological function of 22 patients was improved than that before operation. No significant changes were observed in 5 patients. The neurological function of the affected limb was relieved, whereas the symptoms of the healthy limb were slightly worse in the remaining case. Conclusions:Microwave ablation in situ is a feasible and effective surgical method for single spinal metastasis of thoracic, lumbar or sacral vertebra. It might possess many advantages, such as clear surgical field, smaller incisions, less bleeding, and safe margins during the operations. Further more, it could significantly relieve pain, restrict tumor growth, and improve the quality of life of patients. It is an innovative and distinctive therapeutic alternative for single spinal metastasis, which deserves widespread application.