Thoracic endoscopic surgery: advantages and limitations

Abstract Background Thoracoscopic spine surgery is a form of minimally invasive primarily used to treat thoracic spinal disk herniation and stenosis via endoscopic discectomy decompression techniques, respectively. In contrast the lengthy recovery time related risks an open approach, this technique attempts limit tissue trauma while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Thoracoscopies video-assisted thoracoscopy were first developed in early 1990s. Larger surgical instruments improved access foraminal pathologies made possible because Kambin's triangle. This triangle zone formed by exiting root anteriorly, traversing medially, superior end plate lower lumbar vertebra inferiorly. With development high-quality video imaging, small endoscopes, modified new instruments, has become choice for most transthoracic surgeries. Spinal biopsy procedures, discectomy, decompressive corpectomy, interbody fusions, internal fixations, debridement are now among indications thoracoscopic surgery. review will focus on assessing advantages limitations Conclusions with approach safe successful alternative traditional It significantly reduces morbidity associated procedures procedure's safety The applications continue grow as surgeons gain more experience procedure developed.