Dallas County Living Well Magazine March/April 2018 | Page 34
Radiofrequency ablation
treatment now available
for spinal tumors
Minimally invasive technology, close to home
A treatment system specifically used for treating
painful tumors that have spread to the spine from
cancer in other parts of the body is now available
at TMC. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Chief of Staff
at Texoma Medical Center Brian Rose, MD, FAAOS, says
he has been treating patients for about six months.
Brian Rose, MD,
FAAOS
Orthopedic &
Spine Surgeon
Michael
Molleston, MD
Neurosurgeon,
TexomaCare
TexomaCare Neurosurgeon Michael Molleston,
MD, says the treatment serves a dual
purpose.“Radiofrequency ablation enables us to
treat tumors using a small incision. Once the tumor is
destroyed, we strengthen and stabilize the spine by
filling in the affected areas with a cement-like material. The procedure usually takes less than one
hour and following a short time in recovery, patients can go home.”
Dr. Rose states that the person’s pain level is greatly reduced. For older patients with other health
conditions, the minimal side effects are a plus. This often allows the patient to proceed with radiation
therapy and/or chemotherapy without severe pain.
Enhancing treatment options for patients
The new treatment is an extension of kyphoplasty, a procedure already performed at Texoma
Medical Center for patients with spinal pain due to compression fractures that result from
osteoporosis. “Kyphoplasty is a very similar procedure. The difference is that no ablation is
needed. The patient’s vertebrae need support, so we fill any fractures or pockets with the cement-
like substance, and patients can get relief fairly quickly,” says Dr. Rose. “Many patients who
previously rated their pain as a ‘10’ tell us it dropped to a ‘2’.”
Dr. Molleston says it’s exciting to be able to offer these solutions. “We are trained to be as
minimally invasive as possible, which equates to minimized pain and quicker recovery for the
patient. These two procedures fall right in line with that.” ■
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks
to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.
The neurosurgeons and orthopedic and spine surgeons at TMC specialize in the