The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology™ ISSN: 1937-8254

The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology is the official online journal of ISMISS/SICOT (International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, affiliate of SICOT) and AAMISMS (American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Medicine)

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Posterior Lateral Thoracic Endoscopic Microdiscectomy

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John C. Chiu M.D., FRCS, D.SC,
Director, Neurospine Surgery
California Spine Institute Medical Center

Citation: J. Chiu : Posterior Lateral Thoracic Endoscopic Microdiscectomy. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2009 Supplement II - to IJMIST Vol III No 4

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of outpatient based endoscopic thoracic discectomy with laser thermodiskoplasty performed for symptomatic thoracic herniated nucleus pulposus. Materials and Methods: Since February 1996, 420 patients� (525 discs) with symptomatic thoracic discs without myelopathy, who failed at least 12 weeks of conservative care, were treated. The technique of percutaneous microdecompressive endoscopic thoracic discectomy (with laser thermodiskoplasty) by posterolateral approach is described. The thoracic disc levels were T1 to T12. All patients demonstrated a contained soft thoracic disc herniation on MRI or CT scans. Intraoperative thoracic discogram and pain provocative tests were positive and confirmed the disc involved. Results: Preliminary postoperative follow-up demonstrates 96% of all patients had good to excellent symptomatic relief. Two patients demonstrated persistent, though reduced thoracic pain and paresthesia. The average time to return to work was ten days for the non-workers' compensation patients. Most of the patients received non-ablative lower laser energy application for thoracic disc shrinkage or tightening. Conclusion: Percutaneous microdecompressive endoscopic thoracic discectomy with added application of non-ablative lower Holmium laser energy for disc shrinkage (laser thermodiskoplasty) appears to be easy, safe and efficacious. This less traumatic, easier outpatient treatment leads to excellent results, faster recovery, and significant economic savings

This article was last modified on Fri, 03 Jul 09 14:16:49 -0500

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	The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology™ ISSN: 1937-8254 \| Home \| Editors \| Current Issue \| Archives \| Instructions for Authors \| Disclaimer \| Share with others \| The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology is the official online journal of ISMISS/SICOT (International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, affiliate of SICOT) and AAMISMS (American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Medicine) Posterior Lateral Thoracic Endoscopic Microdiscectomy Read printer friendly Subscribe in a reader Share with others John C. Chiu M.D., FRCS, D.SC, Director, Neurospine Surgery California Spine Institute Medical Center Citation: J. Chiu : Posterior Lateral Thoracic Endoscopic Microdiscectomy. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2009 Supplement II - to IJMIST Vol III No 4 Abstract Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of outpatient based endoscopic thoracic discectomy with laser thermodiskoplasty performed for symptomatic thoracic herniated nucleus pulposus. Materials and Methods: Since February 1996, 420 patients� (525 discs) with symptomatic thoracic discs without myelopathy, who failed at least 12 weeks of conservative care, were treated. The technique of percutaneous microdecompressive endoscopic thoracic discectomy (with laser thermodiskoplasty) by posterolateral approach is described. The thoracic disc levels were T1 to T12. All patients demonstrated a contained soft thoracic disc herniation on MRI or CT scans. Intraoperative thoracic discogram and pain provocative tests were positive and confirmed the disc involved. Results: Preliminary postoperative follow-up demonstrates 96% of all patients had good to excellent symptomatic relief. Two patients demonstrated persistent, though reduced thoracic pain and paresthesia. The average time to return to work was ten days for the non-workers' compensation patients. Most of the patients received non-ablative lower laser energy application for thoracic disc shrinkage or tightening. Conclusion: Percutaneous microdecompressive endoscopic thoracic discectomy with added application of non-ablative lower Holmium laser energy for disc shrinkage (laser thermodiskoplasty) appears to be easy, safe and efficacious. This less traumatic, easier outpatient treatment leads to excellent results, faster recovery, and significant economic savings This article was last modified on Fri, 03 Jul 09 14:16:49 -0500 This page was generated on Sat, 20 Mar 10 10:00:08 -0500, and may be cached.
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