Evaluation of preoperative embolization and surgical experience for spinal cord hemangioblastoma

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative embolization would facilitate spinal cord hemangioblastoma (SCH) resection, and the surgical experience was also summarized.  Methods Clinical data and radiological studies of 13 patients with SCH admitted in our hospital from January 2000 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Spinal MRI and DSA studies as well as histological diagnoses were available in all patients.  Results Preoperative MRI and DSA were performed in all cases and preoperative superselective embolization in 10 cases. Total resection was achieved in all cases. During the follow-up period, 12 patients were improved, while one case remained stable.  Conclusions Spinal DSA could be indicated to demonstrate the vascularity of SCH. Preoperative superselective embolization would be effective in reducing blood supply and tension of tumor, thus facilitating total resection with minimal bleeding. When separating the tumor, artery should be clipped firstly, followed by dealing with vein, which also contributed to reduction of bleeding.

doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.07.015