Trends in surgical management of spinal metastases in a Singaporean tertiary referral center: a 17-year retrospective review

Introduction Surgical treatment is increasingly the treatment of choice in cancer patients with epidural spinal cord compression and spinal instability. There has also been an evolution in surgical treatment with the advent of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques and separation surgery. This paper aims to investigate the changes in epidemiology, surgical technique, outcomes and complications in the last 17 years in a tertiary referral center in Singapore.Methods This is a retrospective study of 383 patients with surgically treated spinal metastases treated between January 2005 to January 2022. Patients were divided into 3 groups, patients treated between 2005 - 2010, 2011-2016, and 2017- 2021. Demographic, oncological, surgical, patient outcome and survival data were collected. Statistical analysis with univariate analysis was performed to compare the groups.Results There was an increase in surgical treatment (87 vs 105 vs 191). Lung, Breast and prostate cancer were the most common tumor types respectively. There was a significant increase in MIS(p<0.001) and Separation surgery (p<0.001). There was also a significant decrease in mean blood loss (1061ml vs 664 ml vs 594ml) (p<0.001) and total transfusion (562ml vs 349ml vs 239ml) (p<0.001). Group 3 patients were more likely to have improved or normal neurology (p=<0.001) and independent ambulatory status(p=0.012). There was no significant change in overall survival.Conclusion There has been a significant change in our surgical practice with decreased blood loss, transfusion and improved neurological and functional outcomes. Patients should be managed in a multidisciplinary manner and surgical treatment should be recommended when indicated.