KHCC Performs First-Of-Its-Kind Surgery To Remove Complex Cervical Tumor

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, June 23 (Petra) -- A multidisciplinary surgical team at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) has successfully removed a malignant cervical tumor in a procedure described as the first of its kind in Jordan and the region. The advanced operation involved the complete resection of a 10.7 cm sarcoma that had infiltrated critical structures in the upper spine.
Led by Mohammad Khalil Al-Barbarawi, head of the Spine Surgery Department at KHCC, the team carried out a highly complex en bloc resection of the tumor, which was located in front of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae. The tumor had extended into the neural foramen and affected the vertebral artery, posing significant surgical risks.
The patient, a 31-year-old male, had been experiencing severe respiratory and swallowing difficulties prior to the surgery. His condition required the creation of a tracheostomy and the insertion of a feeding tube into the stomach.
In a statement released on Monday, KHCC Director General Asem Mansour said the success of this intricate surgery demonstrates the center's growing global capabilities in managing complex oncological cases. "This achievement reflects the high level of specialization and precision we have developed at KHCC. It is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive, world-class cancer care," he said.
Mansour added that the surgery was made possible by significant investments in medical talent and advanced surgical technologies, underscoring the center's focus on tackling rare and high-risk cases.
The treatment plan was implemented in multiple stages. Initially, the medical team conducted a series of interventional radiology procedures to prepare the site for surgery. This included a test balloon occlusion of one of the vertebral arteries, followed by permanent embolization using coiling techniques to minimize intraoperative risk.
In the surgical phase, the team performed posterior fixation from the first to the seventh cervical vertebrae, stabilizing the spine and decompressing the spinal cord. The tumor and affected vertebrae were then removed in a single block through an anterior cervical approach. The excised vertebrae were replaced with an expandable spinal cage and reinforced with anterior fixation to ensure full spinal stability.
Al-Barbarawi noted that the operation was exceptionally rare, given the tumor's size, location, and involvement of vascular structures. "This type of surgery is typically only performed at leading international medical centers," he said, emphasizing the importance of collaborative work among specialists in surgical oncology, spine surgery, radiology, and critical care.
He added that the case highlights the level of surgical expertise and technological advancement available in Jordan for treating complex spinal tumors.
Two months after the procedure, the patient has made a significant recovery. He is now breathing independently after the removal of the tracheostomy tube and has resumed normal eating following the removal of the feeding tube. His current condition is stable.

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