Professor Liu Xiaoguang: Complex Thoracic Spine and Spinal Tumor Specialist
Professor Liu Xiaoguang is a senior spine surgeon, professor, doctoral and postdoctoral supervisor, director of the Pain Medicine Center at Peking University Third Hospital, and president of Peking University International Hospital. His clinical work focuses on thoracic spinal stenosis, cervical and lumbar degenerative disease, spinal deformity, spinal tumors, spinal tuberculosis, and minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques.
International patients can learn more about the hospital and specialist services in our Peking University Third Hospital international patient guide.
Clinical Specialties
- thoracic spinal stenosis;
- ossification of spinal ligaments;
- cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy;
- lumbar spinal stenosis and disc herniation;
- complex spinal deformity;
- primary and metastatic spinal tumors;
- spinal tuberculosis and infection;
- image-guided spinal biopsy;
- endoscopic and percutaneous spine procedures; and
- second opinions before complex spine surgery.
Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
Thoracic spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal cord is compressed in the middle back. Causes include ossification of the ligamentum flavum or posterior longitudinal ligament, disc disease, deformity, tumor, and other structural problems.
Symptoms can include leg stiffness, weakness, numbness, imbalance, falls, a band-like feeling around the trunk, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Because the thoracic spinal cord has limited space, progressive compression may lead to serious disability.
Diagnosis usually requires MRI and thin-slice CT. Surgery may be recommended when neurological function is worsening or compression is severe.
The Tunnel-Collapse 360-Degree Decompression Technique
Professor Liu developed an approach often translated as the “tunnel-collapse” technique for circumferential decompression of selected complex thoracic stenosis cases.
The method is designed to release compression around the spinal cord while limiting direct manipulation of vulnerable neural tissue. Intraoperative imaging, ultrasound, and neurophysiological monitoring may support selected procedures.
This is not an appropriate technique for every thoracic condition. The surgical plan depends on the exact level, pattern of ossification, deformity, stability, previous surgery, and the patient’s neurological and general condition.
Cervical Spine Disease
Cervical spinal-cord compression can cause hand clumsiness, weakness, numbness, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Nerve-root compression more often causes neck and arm pain, tingling, or focal weakness.
Treatment can include observation, rehabilitation, medication, injections in selected cases, or decompression and stabilization. Progressive myelopathy generally requires prompt surgical assessment.
Lumbar Stenosis and Disc Herniation
Lumbar stenosis can cause leg pain, numbness, weakness, or heaviness when standing and walking. Disc herniation may cause sciatica and, less commonly, urgent nerve compression.
Many patients improve without surgery. Surgery may be considered for persistent disabling symptoms, progressive weakness, severe neurological compression, or failure of appropriate non-surgical care.
Spinal Tumors and Image-Guided Biopsy
Spinal lesions may be primary tumors, metastases, infection, benign bone conditions, or another disease. A precise tissue diagnosis is often needed before deciding on surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or antimicrobial treatment.
Professor Liu has extensive experience with CT-guided percutaneous biopsy of spinal tumors. The biopsy path should be planned carefully so that it does not compromise later surgery. Pathology review and microbiological testing may both be required.
Spinal Tuberculosis and Infection
Spinal infection can cause pain, fever, bone destruction, deformity, abscess, and neurological compression. Treatment may involve targeted antimicrobial therapy, drainage, stabilization, and decompression.
Starting treatment without adequate cultures or pathology can make diagnosis more difficult, except when emergency treatment is necessary.
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
Spinal endoscopy, percutaneous biopsy, vertebral augmentation, and other minimally invasive approaches may reduce tissue disruption in suitable patients. A smaller incision does not replace the need for correct diagnosis, complete decompression when required, and stable reconstruction.
Who May Consider a Consultation?
- patients with thoracic spinal stenosis or ligament ossification;
- patients with progressive cervical myelopathy;
- patients with complex lumbar stenosis or recurrent disc disease;
- patients with suspected primary or metastatic spinal tumor;
- patients needing image-guided spinal biopsy;
- patients with spinal tuberculosis or another infection;
- patients advised to undergo high-risk or multilevel spine surgery; or
- patients seeking a second opinion after previous surgery.
Medical Records to Prepare
- a concise symptom and treatment timeline;
- spinal MRI and thin-slice CT in original DICOM format;
- standing whole-spine and dynamic X-rays when available;
- neurological examination and walking-function assessments;
- previous operative notes and implant information;
- pathology slides, paraffin blocks, and molecular reports for tumors;
- culture, tuberculosis, inflammatory, and infection results;
- bone-density and cardiopulmonary assessments for major surgery;
- a complete medication list; and
- a clear list of questions about approach, risk, and recovery.
Planning an International Consultation
New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness, inability to walk, fever with severe spinal pain, or symptoms after major trauma requires urgent local assessment.
Stable patients should confirm whether original imaging, pathology, and previous operative records can be reviewed. Remote medical-record review requires physician authorization. Final diagnosis and surgical eligibility usually require an in-person neurological and spinal examination.
How CMCS Can Assist
CMCS – China Medical Concierge Shanghai is an independent medical concierge and health management company, not a hospital. We assist international patients with organizing and translating spine records, identifying an appropriate specialist, requesting appointment availability, arranging interpretation, and planning medical travel in China.
Access to Professor Liu, remote review, biopsy, minimally invasive treatment, or complex surgery is subject to doctor and hospital approval. CMCS does not guarantee appointments, surgical eligibility, or clinical outcomes.
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Important Note
Doctor titles, clinical roles, surgical techniques, treatment availability, and appointment arrangements may change. This profile is based on the supplied verified research document and is for general information only. It does not replace examination by a qualified spine team.
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