Preoperative embolisation in benign bone tumour excision.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the role of preoperative embolisation in benign bone tumour excision. METHODS: 3 men and 3 women aged 19 to 35 (mean 23) years with either a giant cell tumour or an aneurysmal bone cyst in limb girdle sites underwent preoperative embolisation a day prior to wide local excision by the same surgeon. Tumour size, blood loss, wound healing, infection, and tumour recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: The mean total blood loss was 391 (range, 100-980) ml. No blood transfusion was needed. No patient had any surgery- or embolisation-associated complication. No tumour recurred within a minimum 5-year follow-up. All patients had satisfactory limb function. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolisation is useful in the management of vascular and aggressive bone tumours located at limb girdle sites where a tourniquet cannot be used.