Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastases.

Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastases. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The main purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of preoperative embolization in decreasing operative blood loss, decreasing the need for intraoperative transfusion and facilitate surgical resection in metastatic spine surgery. Furthermore the study aims at describing the vascularity in a series of spinal metastasis, and to correlate this with perioperative blood loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for decompression and posterior thoracic and/or lumbar instrumented spinal fusion because of spinal metastasis/metastases.
• Informed signed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contrast fluid allergy.
• Clotting disorders.
• Renal failure.
• Not suitable for arterial access.
• Pregnancy.