Spinal Tumour Surgery

1. What is Spinal Tumour Surgery?

Spinal tumour surgery is performed to treat tumours located within or around the spinal column, including tumours of the spinal cord, nerve roots, vertebrae, or surrounding tissues.

2. When is surgery recommended?

Surgery may be recommended when a tumour is causing spinal cord or nerve compression, neurological symptoms, spinal instability, significant pain, or when tissue is required to establish a definitive diagnosis.

3. What types of spinal tumours can require surgery?

Spinal tumours may be primary tumours, originating in the spine or nervous system, or metastatic tumours, which have spread to the spine from another part of the body. Surgery may also be used for selected benign tumours that cause significant symptoms or structural problems.

4. How is the tumour diagnosed?

Evaluation commonly includes neurological examination and imaging such as MRI and CT scans. In selected cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine the tumour type and guide treatment.

5. How is Spinal Tumour Surgery performed?

The surgical approach depends on the tumour's location and characteristics. The surgeon may remove part or all of the tumour while protecting the spinal cord and nerves. In vertebral tumours causing instability, decompression may be combined with spinal reconstruction or fusion.

6. What is the role of intraoperative monitoring?

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring may be used during selected spinal tumour operations to monitor the functional integrity of the spinal cord and nerves while the surgeon works around critical neurological structures.

7. Can the entire tumour always be removed?

Not always. Complete removal may be possible for some tumours, while others may be closely attached to or infiltrate the spinal cord, nerves, or major structures. In such cases, the surgeon may perform a safer partial removal followed by other treatments when appropriate.

8. What are the risks?

Potential complications include bleeding, infection, spinal cord or nerve injury, cerebrospinal-fluid leakage, spinal instability, worsening neurological function, blood clots, and recurrence. The risks vary considerably according to tumour location and complexity.

9. Why consider Spinal Tumour Surgery in India?

India has experienced neurosurgeons and spine-oncology specialists, advanced MRI and CT imaging, modern operating theatres, neuro-navigation and neuromonitoring capabilities, and comparatively affordable treatment costs for international patients.

10. How can Medavelle help?

Medavelle can facilitate preliminary review of MRI/CT scans, pathology reports, and medical records, connect patients with an appropriate neurosurgery or spine-oncology specialist, coordinate multidisciplinary evaluation and surgery, obtain an individualized cost estimate, and assist with travel, accommodation, hospital coordination, and rehabilitation arrangements in India.