Minimally invasive, extracavitary approach for XXXX : technical report and preliminary results.

@entity1 @entity3510 @entity190 @entity602 @entity1514 @entity260 @entity158 @entity890
BACKGROUND: Traditional approaches to @entity890 are technically demanding and, if incorporating thoracotomy, can be associated with significant morbidity. New procedures have allowed discectomy with less @entity158 and morbidity. PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility, safety, and early outcome of a minimally invasive extracavitary approach (MI-ECA) for @entity1514 . STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver sessions and a short-term @entity1 study were performed on four cadavers and 10 @entity1 , respectively. Operative results and complications were studied, and early outcome was assessed using a Visual Pain Analog Scale, neurological status, and American @entity3510 Association (ASIA) classification. METHODS: Four fresh cadaver sessions, attempting all thoracic levels, were completed to determine the feasibility of the technique. Ten @entity1 with @entity602 caused by @entity890 were treated using the minimally invasive extracavitary approach. RESULTS: Intervertebral discs were successfully removed from all four cadavers using this procedure. No operative complications in the @entity1 series were documented. The mean operative time was 171 minutes (150-220), mean estimated @entity190 was 215 cc (60-350), and hospital stay for all @entity1 was one night. No @entity260 were encountered. All @entity1 returned to work within 4 weeks after discharge. Postoperative ASIA scores improved in three @entity1 who had motor or sensory findings. Tone improved in all @entity1 . Mean @entity158 outcome using the Visual Pain Analog Scale was 1.5 (0-3). CONCLUSION: Our early experience suggests that MI-ECA may be a valuable option in the management of @entity890 .
