The Thoracoscopic Approach in Spinal Cord Disease

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Thoracic Spine Surgery
• Spinal Conditions Treatment

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has gained prominence over the last two decades.
• VATS is increasingly utilized as an alternative to open thoracotomy for thoracic spine pathologies.
• It provides a minimally invasive 'keyhole' access to the thoracic spine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications and benefits of VATS in treating various thoracic spine conditions.
• To highlight VATS as a viable alternative to traditional open surgical approaches.
• To emphasize the expanding indications for VATS in spine surgery.

Main Methods:

• VATS approaches are typically right-sided for mid-to-upper thoracic spine pathologies due to anatomical advantages.
• Left-sided approaches are feasible below T-9 as the aorta shifts anteriorly.
• The technique allows for a range of spinal interventions through small incisions.

Main Results:

• VATS is extensively used for spinal deformities like scoliosis.
• Applications include treating prolapsed discs, osteomyelitis, fractures, and performing biopsies.
• It enables anterior spinal release, fusion (with or without instrumentation), and corpectomy for tumors.

Conclusions:

• VATS is a valuable minimally invasive technique for thoracic spine access.
• It serves as an effective alternative to open thoracotomy for numerous spinal conditions.
• VATS demonstrates particular efficacy in multilevel scoliosis correction.