En bloc vertebrectomy: A radical technique for spinal metastases but rarely used

Total vertebrectomy En bloc by posterior approach is proposed for primary or secondary single-site malignant tumors of the spine to reduce local recurrence and increase patient survival. This type of surgery is gaining increasing recognition. However, it requires a high level of technical skill and knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the spine. We present here a case of a patient with a single thoracic metastasis with neurological deficit treated by total vertebrectomy via the posterior approach, using a cage and pedicle screws in situ. This surgery is technically demanding, and patient selection therefore requires careful preoperative evaluation. The reproducibility of the En bloc vertebrectomy method documented in the literature is demonstrated and supported by our case. •En bloc vertebrectomy, also known as spondylectomy, has become an increasingly common procedure for the treatment of neoplastic lesions of the spine.•En bloc vertebrectomy has been used for patients with primary and metastatic spinal lesions, due to the widespread use of this strategy.•this surgery can be preceded by a thoracoscopy to free the elements of the post-spinal mediastinum, which makes dissection easy at the time of the posterior vertebrectomy, and also to minimize the occurrence of postoperative complications•This is the first case published in Morocco that describes En bloc vertebrectomy as a treatment for primary and metastatic spinal lesions