Anterior Release Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

We reviewed a case of anterior release for idiopathic scoliosis using video-assisted thoracoscopy. The patient was a fifteen year-old female with a double thorathic curve pattern (King type V) in which the upper curve was so rigid that it could not correct for side bending. We planned a two stage operation.
First, we performed anterior discectomy of T4/5, T5/6 using video-assisted thoracoscopy. 1 week later, posterior instrumentation (Isola system) was performed. Postoperative pain was mild, and she was able to start walking 7 days later with no brace. We concluded that VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) allows less blood loss, shorter operative time and hospital stay compared with open series, and offers new minimal invasive surgery for the treatment of most thoracic spine disorders.