Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Abstract

Minimal invasive surgery has revolutionized all areas of surgery. The use of endoscopes permits surgical maneuvers to be performed through small incisions. In this report, we present a video-assisted endoscopic surgery for a variety of spinal indications. Thoracoscopy was used to release complex spinal curvatures for the reduction of scoliosis and to resect spinal cord tumors developing into the thorax. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal techniques were used for anterior arthrodesis to restore spinal segmental stability in patients with spinal fracture. In addition, the posterior approach was used for lumbar discectomy for the treatment of disc herniation using endoscopic techniques. In conclusion, endoscopic spinal surgery is designed for conventional operations involving extensive anatomic dissections performed via small incisions. These procedures yield shorter recovery times and less morbidity.