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Thoracoscopic microsurgical excision of herniated thoracic discs
1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013-4496, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|August 4, 1998
Summary
Thoracoscopic microdiscectomy offers a safe and effective surgical option for herniated thoracic discs. This minimally invasive technique provides excellent clinical and neurological outcomes with reduced complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Thoracoscopy has been utilized for spinal pathologies since 1992.
- Herniated thoracic discs can cause severe myelopathy or radicular pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical experience and outcomes of thoracoscopic discectomy for herniated thoracic discs.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five patients underwent thoracoscopic discectomy for herniated thoracic discs.
- Procedures included single, two, or three-level discectomies.
- Compared outcomes with thoracotomy and costotransversectomy.
Main Results:
- Thoracoscopic microdiscectomy showed reduced operative time, blood loss, and hospitalization compared to thoracotomy.
- It provided better visualization for complete resection of calcified and midline discs.
- Lower incidence of intercostal neuralgia, atelectasis, and pulmonary dysfunction observed.
Conclusions:
- Thoracoscopic microdiscectomy is a reliable and safe surgical technique.
- Excellent clinical and neurological results were achieved in patients with myelopathy and radiculopathy.