Laser ablation of spinal tumors is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove or reduce the size of tumors in the spine. Laser energy is directed at the affected tissues, causing them to be destroyed by heating without the need for open surgery.
Advantages of laser ablation:
- Minimally invasive. The procedure is performed through a small incision or puncture, which reduces the risk of complications.
- Minimal pain and blood loss. Compared to open surgeries, the procedure causes less pain and risks minimal blood loss.
- Fast recovery. Due to the absence of large incisions, the patient recovers faster and can return to normal activities.
- Precision. The laser allows the doctor to precisely target the affected area, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Indications for laser ablation:
- Spinal tumors that are difficult to treat with other methods or are located in hard-to-reach places.
- Benign tumors or metastatic lesions that cause pain or other neurological symptoms.
For primary and metastatic spinal tumors, the laser ablation method is used, which consists in thermal destruction of the tumor node as a result of exposure to laser radiation energy.
Procedure:
- The patient is usually under local or general anesthesia.
- Through a small incision, the doctor inserts a laser device, using CT or MRI images for precise navigation.
- The laser acts on the tumor, burning it out or reducing its volume.
- After the procedure is complete, the patient is monitored for possible complications.
Under X-ray control, a special light guide is inserted into the tumor node, which serves as a “conductor” of laser energy. After the irradiation session, the tumor tissue heats up, which leads to the death of tumor cells.
Laser ablation is a promising method for treating spinal tumors, especially in cases where traditional surgery is risky or impossible.