Our Summary

This research paper is about spinal metastatic disease, which is a common condition in cancer patients where cancer spreads to the spine. This can cause pain, spinal deformation, and neurological decline. Surgery is a vital part of treating this disease, with the main goals being to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and to stabilize the spine.

There are different ways to categorize spinal metastatic disease, which can help doctors decide if surgery is necessary and how unstable the spine is before surgery. There are several treatment options available, including separation surgery (removing the tumor from the spine), stereotactic radiosurgery (a type of radiation therapy that uses focused radiation beams), conventional radiation therapy, vertebral body augmentation (a procedure to restore the height or shape of a vertebral body and stabilize the spine), and laser-interstitial thermal therapy (a treatment that uses heat from lasers to kill cancer cells).

There are also different surgical techniques that can be used during separation surgery. The paper suggests that the surgeon who performs the spinal surgery should be heavily involved in the overall care of the patient to ensure the best possible outcome.

FAQs

  1. What is spinal metastatic disease and how common is it in oncology?
  2. What are the key components in the management of spinal metastatic disease?
  3. What are the different treatment modalities for spinal metastatic disease?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing spinal surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending at the waist, or twisting the spine for a certain period of time. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can aid in the recovery process and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with spinal metastatic disease, spinal deformities, spinal cord compression, spinal instability, and neurologic deficits. These patients may experience symptoms such as severe back pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking. Surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pain, stabilize the spine, decompress the spinal cord or nerves, and improve overall quality of life. Treatment options may vary depending on the specific condition and goals of the surgery, and may include separation surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, conventional radiotherapy, vertebral body augmentation, and laser-interstitial thermal therapy. The decision to undergo spinal surgery should be made in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including a spinal surgeon, oncologist, and other specialists, to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as back pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are performed to evaluate the extent of spinal damage
  • Consultation with a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgical options
  • Preoperative testing and clearance by other medical specialists if necessary
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments to improve symptoms and strengthen the spine

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or signs of infection
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation will be initiated to help the patient regain strength and mobility
  • Pain management will be a key component of postoperative care
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and discuss long-term prognosis
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or modifications to prevent further spinal damage
  • Continued monitoring and surveillance for any signs of recurrence or progression of spinal metastatic disease

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of spinal surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing spinal surgery for my spinal metastatic disease?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be following spinal surgery?
  4. Will I require any additional treatments or therapies after spinal surgery?
  5. What are the success rates for spinal surgery in treating spinal metastatic disease?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing spinal surgery?
  7. How will spinal surgery affect my overall quality of life and daily activities?
  8. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team in performing spinal surgery for spinal metastatic disease?
  9. What type of follow-up care will be necessary after spinal surgery?
  10. How will spinal surgery impact my prognosis and long-term outlook for spinal metastatic disease?

Reference

Authors: Fanous AA, Fabiano AJ. Journal: J Neurosurg Sci. 2017 Jun;61(3):316-324. doi: 10.23736/S0390-5616.16.03914-X. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PMID: 27787488