Doctors remove spinal cancer through eye socket in revolutionary surgery
A young Maryland woman is breathing a sigh of relief after undergoing a groundbreaking surgery to remove cancerous tumors that were wrapped around her spinal cord. Karla Flores, just 19 years old at the time of her diagnosis, was found to have a chordoma, a rare bone tumor in her spine. The tumors had invaded the vertebrae in her neck, just below the base of her skull, causing her to experience double vision.
The surgical team at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) performed a never-before-done procedure to extract the tumors through Flores’ eye socket. This transorbital approach was the first of its kind in removing a spinal tumor, according to a UMMC press release.
Dr. Mohamed Labib, a neurosurgeon at UMMC, explained the risks involved in the surgery, as the tumors were dangerously close to the spinal cord and major blood vessels. Without intervention, the tumors could have paralyzed Flores and even led to her death. The team carefully navigated through the eye socket to access the tumors, ensuring minimal risk to critical structures.
Dr. Kalpesh T. Vakharia, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, worked alongside Dr. Labib to reconstruct Flores’ eye socket and cheekbone after the tumor removal. The intricate procedure left no external scars, giving Flores a chance at a full recovery without any visible signs of surgery.
In addition to the spinal tumors, Flores also had a large tumor around her brain stem, which was removed through separate procedures. The multidisciplinary team at UMMC utilized a combination of surgical techniques to ensure the complete removal of all cancerous cells.
Despite some nerve damage that has affected the movement of her left eye, Flores is on the road to recovery. She plans to pursue a career as a manicurist and is grateful for the skilled team of doctors who saved her life. Flores’ story serves as a testament to the advancements in medical technology and the dedication of healthcare professionals in providing life-saving treatments.
UMMC plans to showcase the transorbital procedure to neurosurgeons worldwide, highlighting the success of Flores’ surgery and paving the way for similar interventions in the future. As Flores continues her journey towards healing, she remains optimistic and determined to take each day as it comes, celebrating every small victory along the way.
