Pune: A laminectomy and decompression of cord procedure on a 38 year old female IT professional at Noble Hospitals helped remove a rare tumour causing excruciating back pain for about six months . The procedure was performed by a team led by Dr. Vishal Chaudhari, Spine Surgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre. The surgery was delicate and complex because of the position of the tumor. The patient is fine and ready to get back to work.
Explaining the case, Dr. Vishal Chaudhari, Spine Surgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre said that it was around six months back that a 38 year old female IT professional had come to our OPD with persistent back pain. The back pain was not activity related and would occur at any time, even in the middle of the night. The patient had tried medications and physiotherapy outside, but the pain continued. Considering the symptoms, we decided to go for an MRI of the spine which pointed out to an intramedullary tumor that is a tumour located at the central cavity of the spinal cord. The tumour is called as teratoma of cord at D9 level.
(Teratoma at the D9 level of the spinal cord is a rare tumor arising from germ cells and is typically found in the spinal cord or surrounding tissues. These tumors are usually diagnosed using MRI and confirmed by histological examination. Treatment often involves surgical resection to remove the tumor and decompress the spinal cord.)
Intramedullary teratoma are rare but if not detected and treated at right time, might lead to power loss in legs and irreversible damage to spinal cord. Therefore, we decided to go for a laminectomy and decompression of cord procedure added Dr. Chaudhari. The patient was counselled about the importance of procedure to avoid future complications.
The laminectomy surgical procedure involves removing lamina, a part of vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused in this case by the tumour. Using a microscope or endoscope provides enhanced visualization for the surgeon, allowing for a more precise and less invasive approach. The continuous neuro monitoring system helps to evaluate whether any nerve is been affected or the kind of pressure inflicted on the nerves while the procedure is ongoing. This requires specialised surgical skills because of the rarity and position of such tumours, the procedure itself and the risk associated with it. The procedure required around 4.5 hours.
The tumour of the size size 5x5x3 was removed and a pathological report showed it locally aggressive but was non- malignant. Such surgery is critical and often associated with post- surgical complications like power loss in legs and sensory deficit of bladder.
Dr. Vishal Chaudhari said that the patient had come for a follow up in the last week of June 2025. She is absolutely fine, she is doing her routine work at home, walking in the society premises and now ready to get back to work.
Dr. Chaudhari said that this case shows the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. We often neglect back pain as normal. But if the pain is persistent, if it starts affecting daily activities, then it is better to consult a doctor. Many people are hesitant about spine surgeries but the latest advancements have minimised the post-operative risks to minimum and in many cases to almost nil.
“Dr. Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospitals, said, ‘This successful procedure demonstrates how, from diagnosis to specialty treatment, the surgical expertise combined with the latest medical technologies, brings precision to procedures and enhances patient outcomes. We commend our team for this success and are pleased that the patient has regained mobility and can return to her professional work.'”
