title: Transthoracic approaches to thoracic disc herniations.
abstract: The transthoracic approach to herniated thoracic discs is an important procedure in the management of these uncommonly encountered lesions. Whereas posterior and posterolateral microsurgical approaches and thoracoscopic procedures have been widely advocated in the recent neurosurgical literature, the transthoracic operation continues to offer significant advantages in appropriately selected cases. The authors discuss the preoperative considerations, relevant anatomical structures, and surgical technique.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Vollmer
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Simmons
mesh_terms: D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care; D035423:Thoracic Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends