Tumors involving the spinal column are particularly challenging problems. While many tumors of the spinal column are metastases that pose little threat to the function of the spinal cord, occasionally there are tumors that invade the spinal canal where the spinal cord exists. When this happens, tumor growth leads to compression and dysfunction of the spinal cord. This dysfunction of the spinal cord may cause loss of control of the arms or legs, numbness, pain, or other loss.
When the spinal cord is compressed, this is a very serious disorder and often only be treated with surgical decompression. Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be added or combined to surgical decompression. In certain cases, the extent of the tumor may be so large that large open surgical procedures, with or without instrumented stabilization (screws and rods), may be necessary to achieve adequate spinal cord decompression.
However, in unique situations, Dr. Mahan utilizes an endoscopic approach to remove the tumor that invades the spinal canal, achieve decompression of the spinal cord, and allow earlier postoperative radiation and chemotherapy. This is possible because the skin incision sizes are smaller and the tissue disruption is smaller, leading to reduction in risks from early postoperative radiation and chemotherapy.
Spinal tumors which are amenable to endoscopic resection are very unique situations. Dr. Mahan has one of the leading experiences in United States with this technique.
“Endoscopic approaches in the Surgical Management of Spinal Metastatic Disease “ – https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/3/1093
“Operative Video: Endoscopic Resection of Intraspinal Malignant Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor” – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36701745/
