Surgical excision of sacral tumors assisted by occluding the abdominal aorta with a balloon dilation catheter: a report of 3 cases.

STUDY
DESIGN: A report of 3 cases of upper sacral tumors excised by occluding the abdominal aorta with a balloon dilation catheter (BDC).
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibilities of reducing intraoperative hemorrhage and improving the safety of surgical excision of sacral tumors assisted by occluding the abdominal aorta with a BDC. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical excision of upper sacral tumors has been considered a high-risk and difficult operation, with multiple complications because of its massive and uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage. However, until now and to our knowledge, no report on resection of sacral tumors assisted by occluding the abdominal aorta with a BDC is available.
METHODS: A BDC was used to occlude the abdominal aorta for 40-65 minutes in assisting with resection of upper sacral tumors in 3 cases.
RESULTS: After the abdominal aorta was occluded, much less intraoperative hemorrhage was found, and the volume of blood loss was only 100-200 mL. This procedure assisted the surgeon in identifying clearly the surgical margin and sacral nerves surrounded by the tumors. In addition, intraoperative contamination was also minimized. The blood pressure remained stable during the operation.
CONCLUSION: To occlude the abdominal aorta with a BDC may effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage, thus assisting the surgeon in the complete and safe resection of upper sacral tumors.