title: Thoracoscopic microdiscectomy.
abstract: The thorascopic approach for the microsurgical removal of herniated thoracic discs is described, and perioperative management is also discussed. The microsurgical techniques used for decompression of the spinal canal in the thoracic spine are presented in detail. The diagnostic imaging, surgical positioning, approach, port placement, localization of the thoracic level, exposure of the surgical field, excision of the rib head, exposure with removal of the herniated disc, and postoperative management are outlined. Surgical and operative "pearls" in thoracoscopic spinal surgery for removing herniated thoracic discs when possible are described and illustrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Rod J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Oskouian
authors.forename: J Patrick
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Regan
mesh_terms: D017586:Diskectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020708:Thoracoscopes