Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Drainage of Dorsal Paravertebral Abscess

Tuberculosis of the spine is the second most common extrapulmonary presentation of the disease and is associated with significant morbidity. The drainage of the abscess may be needed in patients who fail to respond to medical treatment and present with a significant or deteriorating neurologic status. The dorsal spine gives a unique opportunity for decompression alone as it is supported by the rib cage, decreasing the chances of collapse. Drainage of the abscess in the dorsal spine usually needs an open thoracotomy. Open thoracotomy is associated with increased blood loss, pain, and increased postoperative rehabilitation period. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an excellent alternative for decompression of dorsal paraspinal abscess with significantly decreased blood loss, soft tissue dissection, scarring, and hospital stay. Overall, this leads to significantly decreased postoperative morbidity and faster recovery. The purpose of this article was to describe the indications and procedure of VATS for drainage of dorsal spine paravertebral abscess.