Application of anterior approach video-assisted thoracoscopy in thoracic and upper lumbar spine / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the feasibility of application of anterior approach video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in thoracic and upper lumbar spine. Methods In the study there were 5 patients with tuberculosis of thoracic or lumbar spine (T 6 ～ L 2) undergoing thoracoscopic cleaning of focus,with or without bone grafting; 3 patients with vertebral burst fracture ( T 10 ～ T 12 ) and 1 patient with old burst fracture (L 1) accompanied with cauda equina syndrome undergoing thoracoscopic decompression,bone grafting and plate screw internal fixation; 1 patient with intervertebral disc protrusion (T 3 ～ 4 ) accompanied with spinal compression receiving thoracoscopic decompression and spondylodesis. Results The incisions in all the patients healed by first intention.CT or MRI examinations revealed that the foci had been cleaned thoroughly and the spinal cords had been decompressed completely; the reduction was satisfactory,except for 1 patient with slight angulation deformity; the internal fixation was stable,with proper position. Conclusions VATS focus cleaning is suitable for patients with diseases in thoracic or upper lumbar spine,regardless of whether there is compression of spinal cord or cauda equine or not,and,if necessary,spinal decompression,anterior bone grafting,or internal fixation may be conducted simultaneously.