اللحظة الاخباري -

In a highly complex and pioneering medical achievement, a surgical team at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), led by Dr. Mohammad Khalil Al-Barbarawi, successfully performed an en bloc resection of a malignant cervical sarcoma measuring approximately 10 × 7 cm. The tumor was located anterior to the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae and extended into the vertebral foramen, involving the vertebral artery.

The 31-year-old male patient had been experiencing severe breathing and swallowing difficulties, necessitating the placement of a tracheostomy and a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for nutritional support.

Dr. Asem Mansour, Director General of KHCC, emphasized that this advanced surgical accomplishment reflects the center’s world-class capabilities in managing highly complex oncological cases. He stated:

“We take great pride in this milestone, achieved through the dedication of our outstanding medical team. We firmly believe that investing in human expertise and cutting-edge technology enables us to treat the most challenging cases—offering hope and healing to our patients.”

Dr. Al-Barbarawi, Head of the Spine Surgery Division at KHCC, explained that the multidisciplinary team implemented a carefully staged treatment plan. It began with preoperative embolization of one of the vertebral arteries via interventional radiology—starting with a balloon occlusion test, followed by permanent closure using vertebral artery coils—to secure the surgical field and minimize intraoperative risk.

In the surgical phase, the team performed posterior cervical spinal fixation from C1 to C7 with spinal cord decompression to ensure stability. This was followed by an en bloc resection of the tumor and involved vertebrae through an anterior cervical approach. Reconstruction was accomplished using an expandable corpectomy cage and anterior cervical plating to fully restore spinal integrity.

Dr. Al-Barbarawi noted that this is the first surgery of its kind in Jordan and the wider region, typically only performed at select, high-level international centers, due to the tumor's anatomical complexity. The procedure involved resection of multiple cervical vertebrae along with the involved vertebral artery. Two months postoperatively, the patient had made a significant recovery—he is now breathing normally without a tracheostomy and has resumed oral intake following PEG tube removal. He remains in stable health.

This achievement highlights the exceptional level of surgical expertise and precision at KHCC. It also reinforces the critical importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing rare and advanced spinal tumors, showcasing Jordan’s growing leadership in complex oncologic spine surgery.

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For more information, 

Please call: 0796006757, ext. 5209

Hanan Mohidin – Media & Public Relations Manager

Media & Public Relations office  

King Hussein Cancer Center/ Email:​[email protected]