Preoperative embolization of sacrum tumor

Objective To evaluate the effect of preoperative transcatheter selective internal iliac artery embolization in the surgical treatment of sacrum tumors. Methods Based on a review of 50 patients with sacrum tumors. Selective internal iliac artery embolization with Gelfoam was performed in 50 patients and surgery was followed in 24-72 hours. Results 50 patients gained successful operation and there was no patient dead during operation and no other major complication. Tremendous reduction of blood loss during operation was noted in all embolization cases with an average of (2700ml±800ml ) blood loss during operation. The average follow-up is 20 months(6-72 months) and all osteosarcoma and multiple myeloma patients and one chordoma and one giant cell tumor were recurrence. Conclusions Preoperative transcatheter selective internal iliac artery embolization could demonstrate tumor area and the information of tumor vessels. Preoperative transcatheter selective internal iliac artery embolization is an effective adjuvant therapy for sacral tumorsand it could reduce intra-operative hemorrhage and render complete resection of a tumou possible.