Tumours of the spine can press on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, weakness or loss of control of the bladder and bowel. When the tumour and its position allow, it can be reached through a narrow tube-shaped corridor between the muscles, using a microscope, so that less bone and muscle are disturbed than in a traditional open operation.
Who it may help
- A spinal tumour seen on MRI or CT
- Back pain that does not ease with rest, especially at night
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- A known cancer elsewhere with new spine pain or weakness (a possible spread to the spine)
Conditions treated
- Nerve-sheath tumours such as schwannomas, and meningiomas
- Tumours inside the spinal cord, such as ependymomas and astrocytomas
- Tumours outside the cord, including spread from cancers elsewhere and myeloma
- Vertebral tumours that need decompression
- Spinal metastasis causing cord compression
How the surgery is done
- Imaging An MRI with contrast shows the tumour and its relationship to the cord and nerves.
- Access A narrow tubular retractor makes a small pathway through the muscle.
- Removal The tumour is removed under the microscope while the nerves are protected.
- Support, if needed Screws and rods are added only when the spine has been weakened.
- Early recovery Neurological checks after surgery, and walking as soon as it is safe.
Before the procedure
- MRI of the spine and, where a spread is suspected, whole-body scans
- A biopsy in some cases
- Review by an oncologist if the tumour may be malignant
- Neurological examination and anaesthesia check
- A frank talk about aims, risks and expected recovery
Recovery: what to expect
- A hospital stay of about 2 to 4 days.
- Most people are encouraged to start moving on day one.
- Small wounds heal in about 7 to 10 days.
- Physiotherapy and walking practice start in the first one to two weeks.
- Desk work in around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the tumour and the person.
- MRI at about 1 and 3 months.
These are typical timings. Your own plan depends on your condition, your general health and the operation chosen, and Dr. Chakraborty will go through it with you.
Risks to know about
Every operation carries risk. The ones most relevant here are:
- Worsening of numbness or weakness, usually temporary but sometimes lasting
- Leak of spinal fluid
- Infection or bleeding
- The tumour not being fully removable, or growing back
- Instability of the spine needing screws and rods
Your own risks depend on your health and your scans, and are explained in detail before you decide on anything.
Common questions
Is the whole tumour always removed?
Benign tumours can often be removed completely. Malignant or spread tumours may need a staged plan that includes oncology treatment.
Is a biopsy done first?
Sometimes, particularly when a cancer is suspected. It is decided case by case.
Will I need radiation or chemotherapy?
Only if the tumour is malignant or has spread. An oncologist will advise.
Can the tumour come back?
Recurrence is uncommon for benign tumours that are fully removed. Follow-up scans are used to keep watch.
This page is general information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination. Every plan is made for the individual patient.