Single-Stage Combined Approach Sagittal En Bloc Spondylectomy for L3 Vertebral Chondrosarcoma: A Technical Note

Abstract

Primary malignant tumors of the spine are rare which most commonly occur in lumbar and thoracic vertebra. Here, we report a rare case of retroperitoneal chondrosarcoma of the L3 vertebra which was managed with sagittal en-block spondylectomy following chemoradiation. A 26-year-old lady was evaluated for abdominal pain with contrast enhanced computer tomogram of abdomen and pelvis which revealed a soft tissue retroperitoneal mass arising from L3 vertebra. She underwent laparotomy and biopsy which revealed chondrosarcoma and she received chemoradiation over a period of 28 weeks, 6 days. After re-imaging she underwent single stage combined approach sagittal en-block spondylectomy of retroperitoneal chondrosarcoma of L3 vertebra with right nephrectomy and spine reconstruction. She was followed for a period of 3 years, there was no evidence of recurrence in follow-up CECT abdomen and pelvis. She has no gait abnormality or spinal deformity. Sagittal en-block spondylectomy is a preferred surgical approach for eccentrically placed spinal tumors which offers better oncological and functional outcomes.