Preoperative Bone Tumor Embolization

Background and indications

Certain bone tumors (renal, thyroid metastases, meningiomas, giant cell tumors) are highly vascular. Preoperative embolization reduces hemorrhagic risk during surgery. It may also be offered alone for palliative pain relief.

Benefits

Significant reduction in intraoperative bleeding, facilitating the surgical procedure. In palliation, reduced pain and tumor volume.

Procedure

Under local anesthesia and sedation, a catheter is introduced via the femoral artery and guided to the tumor's feeding arteries. Embolization particles or glue are injected to occlude these arteries. The procedure lasts 1-2 hours and is typically performed 24-48 hours before surgery.

Risks

Non-target embolization (damage to healthy tissue), nerve injury (particularly in the spine), skin necrosis or post-embolization pain.

Recovery and follow-up

Surgery is scheduled within 24-48 hours after embolization for maximum devascularization benefit.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).