Minimally invasive thoracic microendoscopic diskectomy: a tool for all surgeons?

[Minimally invasive spinal surgery: stages of development]

In recent decades, spinal surgery has changed significantly. The active use of modern knowledge of anatomy, various diagnostic modules, specialized surgical equipment and high-tech tools has made it possible to transform classical surgical techniques into a new area of spinal neurosurgery - minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Its main goals are to reduce damage to the skin and adjacent tissues, significantly reduce the level of pain, reduce the duration of inpatient treatment and fully restore functional status in the shortest possible time. This article reflects the main criteria for MISS compliance and types of surgical interventions, provides information on the advantages of minimally invasive surgical technologies and their possible disadvantages. Currently, the use of MISS is observed in all areas of vertebrology - for degenerative diseases, tumors, inflammatory and traumatic lesions of the spine. At the same time, minimizing surgical aggression while maximizing the achievement of goal becomes the main rule of modern spinal surgery.

Combined intra-extradural approach for posterolateral thoracic disk herniations. Preliminary study and technical note

Purpose Thoracic disk herniation is uncommon. It still represents a challenge for spinal surgeons. Multiple surgical strategies are available and, often, they are matter of debate. We describe a preliminary experience about a combined extra-intra dural approach for posterolateral disk herniation in patients affected by spinal cord compression.

METHODS

We performed a combined extra-intra dural approach in two preliminary cases. We performed bilateral laminectomy of adjacent vertebrae and unilateral partial medial arthrectomy of the involved segment. After a lateral extradural diskectomy, we, subsequently, performed a median longitudinal durotomy. The conflict between disk herniation and spinal cord was identified. We removed disk herniation moving disk fragments in the extradural compartment without ventral spinal dura opening.

RESULTS

We solved spinal cord compression in both cases. Postoperative neurological improvement was observed in both cases. No major complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results are probably insufficient to establish surgical criteria but offer another surgical perspective to especially treat patients with contraindication to anterior approaches.