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Thoracic disc herniation treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: case report
1Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi
|March 13, 1999
Summary
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) offers a minimally invasive alternative for thoracic disc herniation. This approach resulted in minimal pain and successful recovery for a T11-T12 herniated disc patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniation is rare, accounting for 0.15-1.8% of surgically treated intervertebral discs.
- Open thoracotomy, the traditional surgical approach, is associated with significant postoperative pain and impaired rehabilitation.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old female presented with symptomatic T11-T12 thoracic disc herniation causing spinal cord compression.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was successfully employed for the discectomy.
Findings:
- The VATS procedure for thoracic disc herniation was completed in 3.5 hours with 400 ml blood loss.
- The patient experienced minimal incisional pain and no intercostal neuralgia postoperatively.
- At 2-year follow-up, the patient was fully ambulatory and pain-free.
Implications:
- VATS represents a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy for thoracic disc herniation.
- Minimally invasive techniques can improve patient outcomes and reduce postoperative complications.
- This case highlights the potential of VATS in managing thoracic disc pathologies.