David Siambanes, MD, was featured in a WMAZ 13 report discussing a unique spine surgery he performed on a young patient to remove a tumor from his spine.
After pursuing treatment for persistent back pain, X-rays showed a young boy had a mass on his spine. After beginning chemotherapy treatments, it was decided the boy would undergo surgery. Here are five quick facts about the procedure:
1. The procedure took six hours.
2. The surgeons accessed the spine from the front to remove a fist-sized tumor.
3. The tumor had begun to enclose around the spinal cord, making paralysis possible.
4. The tumor was effectively removed and the patient returned to normal function.
5. The patient is now walking without pain.