Pune Doctors Rebuild Tumour-Damaged Spine Using Stent in Rare Surgery

In a groundbreaking medical procedure, doctors at Sancheti Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, have successfully reconstructed the spine of a 50-year-old woman suffering from a rare tumour-induced collapse. The innovative use of a spinal stent—a metal mesh device that expands like a spring inside a broken bone—has helped restore the crushed section of her spine, marking a significant advancement in spinal surgery.

A Rare and Dangerous Diagnosis

The patient, hailing from Bareilly, was admitted to the hospital in severe pain, unable to walk. Imaging studies revealed that she had a cavernous hemangioma, a rare spinal tumour that had eroded the bones in her lower spine, leading to structural failure. According to Dr. Shailesh Hadgaonkar, Chief Spine Surgeon at Sancheti Hospital, the condition was akin to termites hollowing out the wooden pillars of a house, requiring a complete reconstruction of the spine. ^[1]

“This was not just another spine fracture. The tumour had eaten away at the bones in her lower spine, much like termites hollowing out the wooden pillars of a house. This was a biomechanical emergency with the spine’s foundation compromised, requiring complete reconstruction,” Dr. Shailesh Hadgaonkar told to The Indian Express.

A First in India?

Traditional spinal fracture treatments involve screws, rods, or bone cement. However, in this case, the damage was too extensive for conventional methods. The lumbosacral junction, the critical area between the lower back and pelvis, was severely compromised, making stabilization particularly challenging. The medical team decided to use a spinal stent, a technique typically reserved for blood vessels or simple spine fractures, to rebuild the crushed vertebra.

“This is perhaps the first time a spinal stent has been used for a tumour-related collapse in the lumbosacral area,” said Dr. Hadgaonkar to The Indian Express.

The procedure involved cement augmentation, a technique dating back to 1985, which has been widely used for osteoporotic fractures and select tumours. ^[2]

Walking Again: The Patient’s Progress

Following the surgery, the patient experienced significant pain relief and steady neurological improvement. Six months post-operation, she was able to walk properly, marking a remarkable recovery. The success of this procedure opens new possibilities for treating complex spinal conditions and reinforces Pune’s reputation as a hub for advanced medical treatments. ^[3]

Conclusion

By adapting a spinal stenting technique typically used for blood vessels and simpler fractures, doctors at Sancheti Hospital demonstrated innovative problem-solving in the face of extensive spinal damage. This rare and successful surgery not only stabilized the lumbosacral junction but also significantly improved the patient's mobility and quality of life—offering new hope for patients with severe spinal tumours.

Reference:

1. Voigt, K., and M. G. Yaşargil. "Cerebral Cavernous Haemangiomas or Cavernomas." Neurochirurgia 19, no. 2 (1976): 59–68. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0028-1090391.

2. Larsson, Sune. "Cement Augmentation in Fracture Treatment." Scandinavian Journal of Surgery 95, no. 2 (2006): 111–118. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/145749690609500206.

3. Pietrowski, Dorothy. "Emerging Spine Care Trends and Innovations." Nursing Clinics 55, no. 2 (2020): 175–192. https://www.nursing.theclinics.com/article/S0029-6465(20)30011-6/abstract.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Mradula U Naik/MSM)