Endoscope-assisted thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Techniques
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Thoracolumbar disk disease is a common concern in canine medicine.
• Traditional surgical approaches can be invasive, leading to potential complications.
• Endoscopic techniques offer potential for improved visualization and reduced invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate an endoscope-assisted lateral approach for thoracolumbar disk exposure.
• To assess the feasibility of performing lateral corpectomy using this technique in dogs.
• To report on the visualization of the intervertebral foramen and spinal cord.

Main Methods:

• A cadaver study involving six fresh canine specimens.
• A limited lateral skin incision was used for thoracic (T10-T11) and lumbar (L3-L4) approaches.
• Endoscopic visualization guided dissection, retractor placement, and lateral corpectomy.

Main Results:

• Clear visualization of the intervertebral foramen and disk was achieved in all specimens.
• No iatrogenic injury to nerve branches occurred.
• Lateral corpectomy was successfully performed, with good ventral spinal cord assessment.
• The approach allowed for potential extension to foraminotomy or mini hemilaminectomy.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic visualization provides excellent views of the intervertebral disk and foramen.
• Endoscope-assisted lateral corpectomy is an effective technique for thoracolumbar disk disease in dogs.
• This minimally invasive approach offers good ventral spinal cord assessment.