Robot-assisted surgery for combined mini-invasive hemivertebrectomy with thoracotomy for en bloc resection of a paravertebral primary thoraco-lumbar tumor: technical note

Primary bone tumors are quite rare spine neoplasms. When they are isolated, to prevent neurological impairment and recurrence, the best treatment is en-bloc negative margins resection. These procedures are often challenging, and technical improvements such as robotics can help surgeons to achieve their goals. We report here the case of a young adult who presented with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), arising from the rib cage, and involving T12 vertebral body. An en-bloc resection, involving the mass and a right hemi-vertebrectomy was decided in a tumor board. A two- step surgery was planned, requiring a multidisciplinary surgical team implying thoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Through robotic guidance, the hemivertebrectomy was lead via a minimal invasive safe and blood sparing approach. Here we describe the procedure.