A Life-Altering Diagnosis
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) successfully removed a rare spinal tumors through the eye socket of 19-year-old Karla Flores. This pioneering procedure marks the first time a spinal tumor has been excised using a transorbital approach, traditionally reserved for accessing brain and sinus tumors.
A Rare and Dangerous Condition
Karla, an aspiring manicurist from Maryland, had been experiencing vision problems since 2023. Medical evaluations revealed a slow-growing bone tumor known as a chordoma, located near her eye and extending into her cervical spine. Chordomas are exceptionally rare, with approximately 300 cases diagnosed annually in the United States.
Rethinking Surgical Boundaries
Conventional surgical routes—through the neck, mouth, or nose—posed significant risks due to the tumor’s proximity to vital structures like the spinal cord and major blood vessels. Dr. Mohamed A.M. Labib, a neurosurgeon at UMMC, devised an innovative plan to access the tumor via the lower eye socket, a method he had previously explored in cadaver studies.
Inside the 19-Hour Operation
The intricate 19-hour surgery involved carefully shifting Karla’s eyeball by millimeters to create a pathway to the tumor. Dr. Kalpesh T. Vakharia, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, played a crucial role, meticulously removing parts of the eye socket as well as cheekbone. After removing the tumor, he reconstructed the eye socket using a titanium plate and rebuilt the cheek with bone taken from Karla’s hip.
Road to Recovery
Following the surgery, Karla underwent proton radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Her recovery has been promising, with recent scans showing no evidence of cancer. She is now focused on regaining her strength and looks forward to pursuing her career in cosmetology
A Medical Milestone
This landmark surgery not only saved Karla’s life but also opens new avenues for treating complex, hard-to-reach tumors with less invasive methods. It may offer safer alternatives for patients with tumors previously deemed inoperable through traditional methods.
