China News Service, Shanghai, March 4th (Chen Jing and Wang Genhua) The reporter learned on the 4th that an imported new coronavirus infected person with a rare spinal tumor and complete paralysis of both lower limbs not only turned negative in Shanghai, but also successfully accepted the test. Precise resection and reconstruction of multi-segment tumors is expected to regain a healthy life.
When the reporter visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) on the same day, she learned that Ms. Chen, a 44-year-old living in the UK, suddenly felt chest and back pain, numbness in her left upper limb and weakness in both lower limbs 8 months ago.
She was diagnosed with spinal metastases (multiple metastases of leiomyoma spinal column) after going to the hospital in the UK.
British doctors believe that the disease he suffers from is very rare, and the tumor cannot be removed in the advanced stage, and only palliative and symptomatic treatment can be used.
Ms. Chen and her family decided to return to China for treatment.
Ms. Chen, whose legs are completely paralyzed, was escorted by her family and arrived in Shanghai in a wheelchair.
However, his new crown nucleic acid test result was positive, and he was immediately sent to the Shanghai Public Health Center for isolation and treatment.
Due to Ms. Chen's complicated condition, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission and Shenkang Center attached great importance to it and quickly organized online consultations with well-known experts in related fields across Shanghai.
After consultation with experts, it was confirmed that Ms. Chen suffered from multiple metastases in the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, and the metastases caused severe compression of the spinal cord in multiple places, leading to paralysis.
Does Ms. Chen still have a chance to operate?
Xiao Jianru, director of the Spinal Tumor Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, told reporters in an interview that leiomyomas are benign invasive tumors, and very few patients will develop spinal metastases. Because they are not very sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, only complete tumor resection can achieve the purpose of local lesion control. .
He actively advocated creating conditions to give patients the opportunity to operate.
Xiao Jianru pointed out that spinal tumors accompanied by complete paralysis are caused by tumor lesions compressing the spinal cord. After tumor resection and decompression surgery, the spinal nerve function of about 30% of total paraplegic patients can be reversed and improved.
This is different from traumatic spinal fractures. In patients with traumatic spinal fractures and total paralysis, spinal nerve function is usually irreversible. The paralysis mechanism and neurological prognosis of the two are different.
The expert believes that even if the surgery cannot reverse the recovery of spinal nerve function, it is of great benefit to reduce or relieve local pain, restore spinal stability, improve the quality of life of patients and even prolong survival.
After standardized treatment at the Shanghai Public Health Center and the nucleic acid test turned negative, Ms. Chen was transferred to the orthopedic tumor ward of Changzheng Hospital, a well-known spine tumor research center in China, for hospitalization.
Professor Xiao Jianru's team comprehensively evaluated the patient's condition and believed that the patient not only had a large scope of surgery, but also suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus, long-term oral hormones, and weak self-resistance; there was also central obesity, and the surgical site was deep.
The paralyzed bedridden patient may lead to blood clots in both lower extremities, which also increases the difficulty of surgery and the risk of related complications.
After full communication and careful preparation, the team of Professor Xiao Jianru and Yang Xinghai accurately removed multiple tumors in the cervical and thoracic spine for the patient during the 4-hour operation, decompressed the spinal nerve, and fixed and reconstructed the vertebral body.
On the first day after the operation, Ms. Chen, who was completely paralyzed for nearly 2 months, was able to move her lower limbs, and her neurological function improved significantly.
At present, his lower extremities can be lifted off the bed surface, and he is expected to walk on the ground soon and receive follow-up comprehensive treatment.
"The successful treatment of this patient not only demonstrates the strong technical strength and advanced treatment concept of the spinal tumor team of Changzheng Hospital, but also fully demonstrates the precision prevention and control system of Shanghai's new coronary pneumonia and the integration ability of efficient and high-quality medical resources." Xiao Jianru lamented to reporters.
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