Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach for anterior decompression and stabilization of metastatic spine disease

Update Item Information
Publication Type Journal Article
School or College School of Medicine
Department Neurosurgery
Creator Schmidt, Meic H.
Other Author Kan, Peter
Title Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach for anterior decompression and stabilization of metastatic spine disease
Date 2008
Description Object. The choices available in the management of metastatic spine disease are complex, and the role of surgical therapy is increasing. Recent studies have indicated that patients treated with direct surgical decompression and stabilization before radiation have better functional outcomes than those treated with radiation alone. The most common anterior surgical approach for direct spinal cord decompression and stabilization in the thoracic spine is open thoracotomy; however, thoracotomy for spinal access is associated with morbidity that can be avoided with minimally invasive techniques like thoracoscopy. Methods. A minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach was used for the surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar metastatic spinal cord compression. This technique allows ventral decompression via corpectomy, interbody reconstruction with expandable cages, and stabilization with an anterolateral plating system designed specifically for minimally invasive implantation. This technique was performed in 5 patients with metastatic disease of the thoracic spine, including the thoracolumbar junction. Results. All patients had improvement in preoperative symptoms and neurological deficits. No complications occurred in this small series. Conclusions. The minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach can be applied to the treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar metastatic spine disease in an effort to reduce access morbidity. Preliminary results have indicated that adequate decompression, reconstruction, and stabilization can be achieved with this technique.
Type Text
Publisher American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
Volume 25
Issue 2
First Page 1
Last Page 8
Subject Metastatic spine disease; Minimally invasive surgery; Spinal cord decompression
Subject LCSH Spine -- Surgery; Spine -- Diseases -- Treatment; Thoracoscopy
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Language eng
Bibliographic Citation Kan, P., & Schmidt, M. H. (2008). Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach for anterior decompression and stabilization of metastatic spine disease. Neurosurgical Focus, 25(2), E8, 1-8.
Rights Management (c) American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 197,495 bytes
Identifier ir-main,12799
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Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6n87v8r