Preoperative and palliative embolization of vertebral tumors.

Embolization of vertebral tumors is useful as an adjunct to surgery because it can minimize blood loss. Embolization also may decrease surgical operating time and reduce complications by improving visualization in the operative field. It also is occasionally useful as a palliative measure to relieve pain or neurologic compromise in patients with unresectable tumors. Spinal embolization is a relatively safe procedure when performed with proper technique by experienced operators.