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Modified French-window thoracotomy for exposure of the anterior thoracic spine
Elizabeth A David1, Ann C Gaffey, Robert Bryan Mason
1Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA. elizabethadavid@gmail.com
Abstract:
Due to the limited exposure, technical challenges, and postoperative pain of thoracic spine surgery, open thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The modified French-window thoracotomy approach with the aid of a thoracoscope is a useful technique for approaching diseases of the anterior spinal. This approach allows for specific exposure of the spine with a reduction in postoperative pain, morbidity, and mortality and avoids the limitations of VATS.