title: Endoscopic assisted posterior decompression for spinal neoplasms.
abstract: The authors describe a technique for anterior thoracic decompression via a posterolateral approach for spinal metastatic disease followed by anterior and posterior column stabilization. We discuss the benefits of decompression via a posterolateral approach including minimization of cord retraction, avoidance of thoracotomy, early mobilization and shorter hospital stay. Technical details are reviewed and difficulties of the approach discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, The Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia. ralphmobbs@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mobbs
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nakaji
authors.forename: Bartek J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Szkandera
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Teo
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*