Endoscopic Approach for A Difficult Cervical Area: Fully Endoscopic Uniportal Transcervical Approach for Ventral Pathologies of the Craniovertebral Junction

Objective: Various pathologies can occur at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Posterior decompression with occipitocervical fixation improve many of these conditions, but anterior is required in some cases. Anterior a CVJ lesion very difficult to perform. The transoral approach has been considered gold standard, it disadvantage deep and limited operative field, complications are associated this procedure. Three endoscopic approaches (transoral, transnasal, transcervical) have reported previously. Transcervical odontoidectomy familiar for spinal surgeons be performed using uniportal full-endoscopic surgery system. Methods: As described present study, 12 patients underwent surgery, their clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. Results: All had good recovery without complications.Conclusion: Fully transcervical advantages ventral CVJ. In particular, avoid heat injury despite drilling close brainstem closed lesions.