Spine tumor surgery in Bergen County is a specialized procedure aimed at removing tumors from the spine, relieving pressure on the spinal cord, and improving mobility. Dr. Tim Vogel, the leading pediatric neurosurgeon at Pediatric Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, brings expertise in treating pediatric and adult spine tumors. With his advanced training in minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Vogel ensures optimal outcomes by providing personalized care to patients with spinal tumors.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Spine Surgery?
- Primary Spinal Tumors: These tumors originate in the spine and can involve bones, nerve tissue, or spinal cord. Surgery aims to remove the tumor to prevent further damage and to help alleviate pain, numbness, and neurological symptoms.
- Metastatic Spine Tumors: When cancer from other parts of the body (such as the lungs, breast, or prostate) spreads to the spine, surgery may be needed to remove or shrink the tumor. This helps stabilize the spine, prevent paralysis, and reduce pain.
- Spinal Cord Compression: A tumor pressing on the spinal cord can cause pain, weakness, and, if left untreated, paralysis. Surgery relieves this compression, restoring spinal function and reducing the risk of permanent nerve damage.
- Vertebral Collapse or Fractures: Tumors can weaken vertebrae, leading to collapse or fractures. Spine tumor surgery may involve stabilizing the spine using spinal instrumentation (rods and screws) to restore alignment and prevent further injury.
- Intraspinal Tumors: These tumors grow within the spinal cord or in the space surrounding it. Surgery aims to remove the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding nerve structures, improving function and reducing symptoms.
- Spinal Deformities: Some spine tumors can cause abnormal curvature or misalignment of the spine. Surgery can correct these deformities to restore the spine’s natural alignment, improve posture, and reduce pain.
Each of these spine tumor conditions requires a tailored surgical approach, and our team of experienced neurosurgeons works closely with oncology specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. The goal is to deliver precise treatment that targets the tumor while safeguarding spinal and neurological function. We focus on enhancing recovery and quality of life, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, individualized care throughout their treatment.
How Is Spine Tumor Surgery Performed?
Spine tumor surgery in Bergen County is a procedure performed to remove tumors from the spine, which can be primary (originating in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from other parts of the body). The surgery aims to alleviate pain, decompress the spinal cord, stabilize the spine, and prevent further neurological damage. Depending on the tumor’s location and size, Dr. Vogel may use various surgical techniques to remove the tumor while preserving spinal function.
Posterolateral Resection
Posterolateral resection is a surgical technique that removes spine tumors through an incision made along the side of the back. This allows the surgeon to access the tumor while minimizing disruption to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. By making an incision in the middle of the back, the surgeon can safely resect the tumor and also reinforce the spine with stabilization techniques, such as the use of rods and screws.
En Bloc Resection
En bloc resection is an advanced surgical technique that removes a spine tumor in a single, intact piece, without breaking it apart. This approach is typically used for primary tumors, such as giant cell tumors, chordomas, and low-grade chondrosarcomas, which are localized in the spine or adjacent bones. En bloc resection aims to remove the tumor entirely, minimizing the risk of cancer cells being left behind and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Metastatic Spine Tumor Surgery
Metastatic spine tumor surgery is performed when cancer from other parts of the body, like the lungs, breast, or prostate, spreads to the spine. The surgery aims to stabilize the spine, relieve pain, and prevent neurological damage such as paralysis. There are two common types of surgical procedures involved in treating metastatic spine tumors:
- Spinal cord decompression removes any tumor or tissue that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots, helping to alleviate symptoms.
- Spinal instrumentation involves inserting rods and screws to stabilize the spine, redistribute stress, and align the vertebrae.
Spinal Angiography
Spinal angiography is used to assess and manage blood flow around a tumor in the spine. This is particularly helpful when the tumor is highly vascular. During spinal angiography, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels, and an X-ray is used to visualize the blood supply to the tumor. If necessary, an interventional radiologist can perform embolization, where small beads are injected into the blood vessels to block them and reduce bleeding.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Tim Vogel is a highly skilled pediatric neurosurgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive techniques for treating spine tumors. He is board-certified in adult and pediatric neurosurgery and has extensive experience treating complex spinal conditions. Dr. Vogel’s compassionate approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. To discuss Bergen County spine tumor surgery options and learn more about how Dr. Vogel can help, schedule your consultation today.
