Perioperative Multidisciplinary Collaboration Is Essential for Successful Complex Multi-staged Oncological Surgical Procedures in Military Treatment Facilities: A Case Report of a Giant Cell Tumor of the Thoracic Spine.

Although giant cell tumors are generally benign, locally aggressive growth can cause profound pathologic tissue destruction and, in some cases, transform into metastatic neoplasms. Here, we present the case of a 37-year-old female with a previously decompressed giant cell tumor of the thoracic spine who presented with acute neurologic symptoms concerning for metastatic transformation requiring a multi-staged surgical resection. The clinical course highlights the potential for late metastatic changes and underscores the importance of long-term surveillance. Our case demonstrates that complex resections performed at historically lower acuity military treatment facilities present additional challenges not seen at higher volume civilian surgical centers. However, it also highlights the importance of engagement among subspecialties across the perioperative period, which led to timely diagnosis and management. This case is noteworthy in that it sparks confidence in the ability of military treatment facilities to successfully collaborate and perform complex, multidisciplinary surgical cases with high fidelity and utmost adherence to the standard of care.