RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Five-Year Outcomes After Transforaminal Endoscopic Foraminotomy and Discectomy for Soft and Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniations
JF International Journal of Spine Surgery
JO Int J Spine Surg
FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
SP 8071
DO 10.14444/8071
A1 Houra, Karlo
A1 Saftic, Robert
A1 Knight, Martin
YR 2021
UL https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2021/04/30/8071.abstract
AB Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and long-term clinical outcomes of transforaminal full endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy performed with manual reamers under local anesthesia on soft and calcified herniated discs in the mid and lower thoracic spine.Methods Postoperative pain relief was self-evaluated by 16 patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patients were scored at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery.Results Significant pain reduction of more than 50% in the VAS score was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients at all review points throughout this study. Similarly, a decrease of more than 50% in ODI scores was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients in all 4 review points. There were no surgical complications. Good postoperative results were achieved in patients regardless of the consistency of the disc herniation.Conclusions Transforaminal full endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy with manual reamers performed under local anesthesia produces sustained reduction in pain and improves functionality in patients with mid and lower thoracic spine soft and calcified disc herniations. The surgery is safe and straightforward to perform with the correct training.Level of Evidence 4.Clinical Relevance Thoracic transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy, performed in TIVA, may be a useful adjunct for treatment of patients with soft and calcified disc herniations in thoracic spine.