It is applied in cases where the height of the vertebral body decreases due to cancer metastases and there is a risk of fracture; and also in intra-bone vascular dilations. Within the scope of Vertebra Tumor Ablation, the tumor tissue within the vertebral body is entered with a special radiofrequency electrode, and the tumor tissue is destroyed at 80-90 degrees. Polymethylacrylate (bone cement) is injected into the area vacated by the destroyed tumor tissue and the bone body is strengthened. Studies have reported that Vertebra Tumor Ablation causes more than 90% necrosis in tumor cells and eliminates the possibility of recurrence.
How is Vertebral Tumor Ablation treatment applied?
Vertebral Tumor Ablation treatment is performed in the operating room. The patient is sedated before the procedure and given prophylactic antibiotics. The patient is laid face down on the scopy table. Depending on the location of the spinal fracture, the area where the intervention will be performed in the back or waist region is sterilely wiped and covered. The area where the intervention will be performed is visualized with scopy control. After the intervention point is determined, local anesthetic is applied to the entry point. A small incision is made from this point and the vertebroplasty needle is advanced until it contacts the bone and the needle is rotated to enter the cortex. The RF electrode is placed into the bone through the needle and thermal ablation is applied at 80-90 degrees. Then, the cement is mixed with barium sulfate through the vertebroplasty needle and prepared to become radiopaque. After it reaches the consistency of liquid toothpaste, the cement is administered with scopy control.
Before Vertebral Tumor Ablation application
There are some factors to consider before Vertebral Tumor Ablation treatment. These are as follows:
- Before the application, it should be ensured that the patient does not have any infection.
- The use of blood thinners (aspirin, coumadin, plavix, etc.) should be stopped before the appropriate time.
- The patient must fast for 4-6 hours before the operation.
To whom can it be applied?
Patient selection for Vertebral Tumor Ablation treatment is as follows:
- Compression fractures due to cancer metastases
- Spinal angioma (intra-bone vascular dilatations)