Preoperative embolization of spinal tumors: An analysis of factors influencing intraoperative blood loss

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety of different spinal tumor preoperative embolization and the factors that may influence intraoperative blood loss. Methods Between March 2003 and May 2011A total of 90 spinal tumor patients receiving preoperative embolization were retrospectively analyzed. Multiple factors, including sex, pathological type, embolization agent, interval between embolization and surgery, surgical history (first or not) and tumor invasion range (for cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae) were analyzed for the effect on intraoperative blood loss. Results For all subjects and those with cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebral tumors, the estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower if the surgery was first surgery (P=0.023 and 0.044, respectively), and the EBL of giant cell tumor (GCT) was significantly higher than other primary tumors (P=0.013 and 0.006, respectively). The EBL was not statistically different with sex, embolization agent, interval between embolization and surgery and tumor invasion range. Conclusion It is safe and effective for preoperative embolization to reduce the intraoperative blood loss and improve the surgical removal rate. Key words: Preoperative embolization; Spinal tumor; Influence factor