Video-assisted thoracic surgery for tubercular spondylitis

Pure uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for treating thoracic tuberculous spondylitis: an initial case series of seven patients

BACKGROUND

The development of thoracic surgical techniques has provided a new avenue for treating thoracic tuberculosis. Moreover, microscopic treatment of spinal tuberculosis has attracted increasing attention, as it affords good visual access and reduces trauma. Traditional thoracoscopic treatment of spinal tuberculosis usually requires 2-3 passages, accompanied by a corresponding number of incisions. With a large number of conventional thoracoscopic surgeries performed, improved resolution of the microscopic field of view, effective hemostasis of the peripheral vessels using the ultrasonic knife, and many reports in the literature, thoracic tuberculosis can now be treated microscopically by creating a single channel. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and surgical technique for thoracic tuberculous spondylitis treatment via debridement and bone graft fusion surgery employing pure uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), combined with posterior internal fixation.

METHODS

Seven patients with relatively complete documentation were included in this study. All patients underwent lesion removal and bone graft reconstruction via uniportal VATS with posterior internal fixation. The mean patient age was 39.6 years. Surgical duration, blood loss volume, postoperative recovery time, and thoracic kyphosis angle were recorded.

RESULTS

The surgeries were successful with no severe postoperative complications. All patients were followed-up, and no recurrence of tuberculosis was observed. Imaging data, including computed tomography scans, confirmed the complete removal of the lesions. Additionally, bone fusion at the graft site was successful, no loss of the thoracic kyphosis angle was noted postoperatively, and the thoracic kyphosis angle improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Pure uniportal VATS yields satisfactory results and inflicts less trauma than previous surgical techniques. This technique also offers a reference value for treating thoracic tuberculous spondylitis.

Minimally invasive surgery for paravertebral or psoas abscess with spinal tuberculosis - a long-term retrospective study of 106 cases

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a common treatment option for paravertebral or psoas abscesses (PAs) in patients with spinal tuberculosis (ST). However, its efficacy remains controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of MIS for PA with ST combined with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 106 consecutive patients who underwent MIS for ST with PA from January 2002 to Oct 2012 were reviewed. The MIS involved computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage and percutaneous catheter infusion chemotherapy. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the changes observed on preoperative and postoperative physical examination, inflammatory marker testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

The mean follow-up period was 7.21 ± 3.15 years. All surgeries were successfully completed under CT-guidance without intraoperative complications and all patients experienced immediate relief of their symptoms, which included fever and back pain. The preoperatively elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values returned to normal at a mean period of 3 months postoperatively. Solid bony union was observed in 106 patients and no abscesses were found on MRI examination.

Conclusion

MIS carries advantages in terms of less invasiveness, precise drainage, and enhanced local drug concentration. While the technique has not been fully characterized and clinically prove, its use in addition to conservative chemotherapy and open debridement and instrumental fixation may be recommended for patients with ST and PA.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Drainage of Dorsal Paravertebral Abscess

Tuberculosis of the spine is the second most common extrapulmonary presentation of the disease and is associated with significant morbidity. The drainage of the abscess may be needed in patients who fail to respond to medical treatment and present with a significant or deteriorating neurologic status. The dorsal spine gives a unique opportunity for decompression alone as it is supported by the rib cage, decreasing the chances of collapse. Drainage of the abscess in the dorsal spine usually needs an open thoracotomy. Open thoracotomy is associated with increased blood loss, pain, and increased postoperative rehabilitation period. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an excellent alternative for decompression of dorsal paraspinal abscess with significantly decreased blood loss, soft tissue dissection, scarring, and hospital stay. Overall, this leads to significantly decreased postoperative morbidity and faster recovery. The purpose of this article was to describe the indications and procedure of VATS for drainage of dorsal spine paravertebral abscess.