Letter to the editor: Comment on a case report of thermal injury to spinal cord, a rare complication of percutaneous microwave spine tumour ablation. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Eu Jo Martin; Too, Chow Wei; Venkatanarasimha, Nanda; Lee, Kristen Alexa; Tan, Alexander Sheng Ming; Zhuang, Kun Da; Leong, Sum
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical neuroscience. Volume 81(2020)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Spine oncology -- Metastasis -- Percutaneous ablation -- Microwave ablation -- Bone tumour; Brain -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Brain -- surgery -- Periodicals; Neurosurgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.09.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-5868

Abstract

Highlights: Thermal ablation is an effective treatment for symptomatic spinal metastasis. Spinal cord injury is a known rare complication of thermal ablation of the spine. Different approaches can be adopted (transcostovertebral and transpedicular) for ablation of thoracic spine lesions. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring can be performed to further reduce risk of spinal cord injury. It is an increasingly common procedure for which interventionists should familiarize with various technical considerations. Abstract: Microwave ablation of the spine is an effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic osseous metastases. It is an increasingly common procedure in clinical practice and can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as vertebroplasty and nerve root blocks. Multiple studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous ablation; however potential complications can arise. Thermal injury to the spinal cord is a rare but serious known complication which has severe consequences to the patient. Multiple strategies can be adopted to reduce the rate of complications. We aim to discuss the various technical considerations when performing percutaneous ablation of spinal tumours to decrease the risks of complications.