Albert Telfeian, MD, of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital, performed the first endoscopic extraction of a spinal tumor of a patient while the patient was awake, according to Cancer Therapy.
Here are five notes:
1. Dr. Telfeian's minimally invasive procedure allowed him to perform an accurate diagnosis of the tumor. This diagnosis was not found by other physicians prior to the procedure.
2. The patient was awake during the procedure, allowing her to report any sensations of pain and numbness in addition to cooperating in motor testing.
3. The minimally invasive procedure replaced previous procedures such as costotransversectomy and a trans-thoracic approach.
4. The patient was discharged within 24 hours and blood loss was minimal.
5. Dr. Telfeian diagnosed the tumor as Ewings sarcoma. The patient was able to undergo a successful course of chemotherapy based on standard treatment practices.
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