Trans-Sternal Multilevel Corpectomy for Cervicothoracic Renal Cell Metastasis: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Abstract

The operative management of pathological fractures at the cervicothoracic junction is a surgical challenge. Here, we present the case of a 48-year-old male patient presenting with 2 months of progressive left upper extremity weakness as well as back and bilateral arm pain (Karnofsky Performance Status 60%) who was found to have pathological fractures from C7, T1, and T2 due to metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is known to metastasize to bone and cause cord compression. 1 Given the extensive metastasis with this highly vascular tumor, endovascular embolization was performed preoperatively to minimize intraoperative blood loss. 2 Surgical management consisted of a two-stage procedure. Posterior spinal fusion from C2–T7 with C7–T2 decompression was performed during stage 1. Stage 2 consisted of a trans-sternal approach for C7, T1, and T2 corpectomy for cord decompression and placement of a cage and plate for anterior column support. 3 Although prior surgeons have suggested to access upper thoracic pathology through an interaortocaval window, in this case we demonstrate a trans-sternal approach to C6–T3 that starts superior to the innominate vein and aortic arch and angles inferiorly dorsal to these vascular structures. 4 When planning for a manubriotomy/trans-sternal approach, access to T1/T2 remains the most decisive factor and is most successful with a sternotomy. 5 At 12-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated improvement in his left upper extremity strength and overall functional status (3/5 strength in hand grip and interossei with 5/5 in all remaining motor groups; Karnofsky Performance Status 80%). The patient consented to participate in the surgery and surgical video.