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Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy; transforaminal approach.
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery : MIN
|April 9, 2010
Summary
Percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy offers a safe and effective minimally invasive option for thoracic disc herniation. This technique improves pain and disability, avoiding complications associated with open surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniations (TDH) are increasingly detected with MRI.
- Conventional surgery for TDH carries a high morbidity rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy (PETD) for treating soft TDH.
- To assess clinical outcomes using VAS and ODI scores.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen patients with soft TDH underwent PETD under local anesthesia with sedation.
- A foraminoplasty was performed to enlarge the thoracic intervertebral foramen.
- Herniated discs were removed endoscopically.
Main Results:
- Mean follow-up was 60.2 months.
- Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain.
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores substantially decreased post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy (PETD) is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic soft TDH.
- The technique provides a direct endoscopic route to the lesion.
- PETD reduces morbidity compared to conventional open procedures.