Posteriorlateral Endoscopic Thoracic Microdecompressive Discectomy

John C. Chiu M.D., D.Sc., FRCS
California Spine Institute
Thousand Oaks, California, USA

Nosrat Javidan M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor - Orthopedic Surgery
Harbor - UCLAMedicalCenter
Los Angeles, California, USA

James Thacker M.D.
Pain Medicine
California Spine Institute
Thousand Oaks, California, USA

Citation:

John C. Chiu, Nosrat Javidan & James Thacker: Posteriorlateral Endoscopic Thoracic Microdecompressive Discectomy: The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2008; Volume 2, Number 3.

Posterolateral endoscopic thoracic microdecompression discectomy (PETD) through an endoscope is an alternative procedure for treating symptomatic herniated thoracic discs, to achieve less tissue trauma than is caused by current conventional thoracic disc surgery and thoracoscopic procedures. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the surgical indications, instrumentation, anesthesia, surgical technique, safety and efficacy of this less traumatic outpatient endoscopic procedure, potential complications and their avoidance. In addition, lower energy non-ablative laser is applied for shrinkage and tightening of the disc (laser thermodiskoplasty). This endoscopic minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) has numerous advantages, but requires thorough knowledge of the PETD procedure, the surgical anatomy, specific surgical training and hands-on experience in a laboratory and working closely with an experienced endoscopic surgeon through its steep surgical learning curve. The rationale and technique of this minimally invasive percutaneous endoscopic operation to relieve symptoms of protruded thoracic discs are presented.

Neurosurgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons and Spinal surgeons have long sought to find a procedure of choice by which to treat thoracic disc herniations. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 The threat of spinal cord, neural, vascular, and pulmonary injury has stimulated many attempted approaches including posterior laminectomy (seldom performed as it is too likely to result in neurologic injury), costo-transversectomy, trans thoracic, trans pleural, posterolateral, trans-facet pedicle-sparing, trans-pedicular and, more recently, transthoracic endoscopic and posterolateral endoscopic procedures. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13

Many clever minimally invasive surgical endoscopic thoracic procedures have been developed including video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22thoracic sympathectomy and others attempting to reduce operative trauma 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

In the past, surgery was not contemplated unless considerable cord compression and/or neurological deficit were present. 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13A significant number of patients complain of thoracic spinal and paraspinal pain, intercostal or chest wall pain, upper abdominal pain, and occasionally low back pain due to thoracic disc protrusions without severe neurologic deficit or dramatic radiological abnormalities. With improved diagnostic methods such as MRI scans 8, 10(the method of choice), CT myelograms, and CT scans the diagnosis of these thoracic disc protrusions is now far more common. Usually, such patients receive some period of physical therapy, injection therapy and analgesics, and, if not cured, are expected to live with their discomfort because potential severe postoperative complications are feared if usual surgical treatment is attempted.

With laser thermodiskoplasty PETD 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22evolved from minimally invasive techniques used in the lumbar and cervical areas, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16and from the basic approach for performing thoracic discography. 9, 10We also have utilized pre- or intra-operative discograms and pain provocation tests on almost all cases to confirm the diagnosis and the appropriate levels to treat. This chapter describes the surgical technique, safety and efficacy of a method for treating thoracic disc protrusions by outpatient PETD.

Surgical Indications

The PETD approach is indicated 10, 11, 12in the following clinical situations:

  • Pain in the thoracic spine, often radiating to the chest wall, with possible numbness and parasthesia in an intercostal distribution due to thoracic disc herniation
  • No improvement of symptoms after a minimum of 12 weeks of conservative management
  • MRI or CT scan positive for disc herniation, consistent with the level of clinical symptoms
  • Confirmatory pre- or intra- operative discogram and pain provocation test
  • Multiple thoracic discs may be treated at one sitting 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

Contraindications

The PETD approach is contraindicated in the following clinical situations:

  • Severe cord compression or total block on radiographic studies
  • Advanced spondylosis with severe disc space narrowing or osteophytes blocking entry into the disc space.

Instruments And Preparation

This surgical equipment and these instruments 10, 11, 12, 13are necessary to perform PETD

  • Digital fluoroscopy equipment (C-arm) and monitor
  • Full radiolucent C-arm/fluoroscopic carbon-fiber surgical table
  • Endoscopic tower equipped with digital video monitor, DVT/VHS recorder, light source, photo printer, with tri chip digital camera system (Figure 1)
  • Thoracic endoscopic discectomy set (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), including 4-mm 0-degree endoscope (Figure 1)
  • Thoracic operating endoscope, 3.5 mm 6-degree, and diagnostic endoscopes, 2.5 mm 0-degree and 30-degree (Figure 1)
  • Thoracic discectomy sets (2.5 and 3.5 mm) (Blackstone Medical, Inc., Springfield, MA, USA) with short and long discectomes. (Figure 1)
  • Endoscopic grasping and cutting forceps and scissors (Figure 1)
  • Endoscopic probe, knife, rasp, and burr (Figure 1)
  • More aggressively toothed trephines used for spurs and spondylitic ridges at the anterior and posterior disc space (Figure 1)
  • Holmium: YAG laser generator (Trimedyne, Irvine, CA, USA) with and 550µm holmium bare fiber with flat tip right angle (side-firing) probe (Figure 2)

Figure 1: Video digital endoscopic tower and PETD instrument.

Figure 1a: Video digital endoscopic tower

Figure 1b: Thoracic endoscopes 0°, 6°, 30° and tri-chip digital camera

Figure 1c: Endoscopic working cannula systems, trephines, rasp, and burs

Figure 1d: Long and short discectomes, various type of forceps and ronguers

Figure 2: Holmium YAG laser equipment for laser thermodiskoplasty

Figure 2a: 85 Watt double pulse Holmium: YAG laser generator (Trimedyne-Omnipulse)

Figure 2b: 550µm holmium bare fiber with flat tip, and right angle (side-firing) probe.

Figure 2c: Single use side firing probes.

Figure 2d: Reusable short side firing probes.

Anesthesia 10, 11, 12

Selected patients are treated in an operating room under local anesthesia and monitored conscious sedation. The anesthesiologist maintains mild sedation, but the patient is able to respond. Two grams Ancef and 8.0 mg of dexamethasone are given intravenously at the start of anesthesia. A BIS surface electroencephalogram (EEG) (Aspect Medical System, Inc. Newton, MA, USA) provides added precision of anesthesia.

Patient Positioning 10, 11, 12, 13

Patients are prone on the table with a radiolucent 20-degree angled sponge under the symptomatic side of the chest angling it into an obliquely up position (Figure 3). The arms are supported on arm boards over the head. Since only local anesthesia and mild sedation are used, the extremities, buttocks and shoulders are restrained from sudden motion with adhesive tape.

Figure 3: Patient Positioning and localization

Figure 3: Patient positioning

Figure 3b: Localization and placement of needle (portal)

Figure 4: Surgical approach for posteriorlateral endoscopic thoracic discectomy for needle and stylette placement into the disc

Figure 4a: Axial view illustration for needle placement

Figure 4b: Cross section cadaveric cryomicrotome: posteriorlateral surgical approach

Localization 10, 11, 12

Levels are identified by counting under C arm fluoroscopy from the twelfth rib up, and from C7 of the cervical spine down for upper level thoracic discectomies. Radio-opaque markers are placed on the skin at appropriate sites. 13The midline, the levels, and point of entry (operating portal) for surgery are marked on the skin with a marking pen (Figure 3). Using sterile technique, the level of the disc can be accurately identified by inserting a 18-gauge needle into a disc under fluoroscopic guidance (Figures 4, 5). The portal of entry is to be marked at 4-5 cm away from the midline at the mid-thoracic area (T5-T8 inclusive) at the respective thoracic disc level, 6-7 cm from the midline at the lower thoracic area (T9-T12 inclusive), and at the upper thoracic area (T1-T4 inclusive). Positioning of the instruments is checked throughout the procedure by C-arm fluoroscopy in two planes as needed. After the involved levels are identified, sterile needle electrodes are placed in the intercostal muscles innervated from those levels for continuous neurophysiological EMG monitoring, 10, 11, 12, 13, 28a ground electrode having been previously placed.

Surgical Technique 10, 11, 12, 13

Under local anesthesia a beveled 20gauge, 3.5-inch spinal needle is inserted into the portal of entry, as described under localization and fluoroscopic guidance (Figure 5). The needle is incrementally advanced under C arm fluoroscopic guidance at a 35- to 45-degree angle from the sagittal plane, targeting toward the center of the disc, into the “safety zone,” between the interpedicular line medially, and the rib head at the costo-vertebral articulation, laterally 10, 11, 12and medial to costo-transverse junction (Figure 5). During the needle insertion, one must keep the needle tip immediately along the medial aspect of the rib head to avoid entering the spinal canal medially, and medial to the costo-vertebral junction to avoid pleural puncture. After the annulus is punctured, the needlepoint is incrementally advanced to the center of the disc. The stylette of the spinal needle is removed. Isovue® contrast (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) is injected, observing the ease and volume of injection, the fluoroscopic appearance in AP and lateral projections, and the patient's description of the location, concordance and intensity of any pain produced. If the discogram and pain provocation tests are confirmatory, surgery is performed.

Figure 5: Fluoroscopic views for placement of needle/stylette

Figure 5ab: Needle placement into "safety zone" at the neuro foramen between interpedicular line and the rib head.

Figure 5cd: Increment advance of stylette placement into center of the disc

Through the spinal needle placed for the discogram, a narrow 12-inch plain wire guide is passed into the center of the disc. The needle is then removed. A 3-4 mm skin incision is made at the site. The discectomy cannula containing its dilator is passed over the guide wire, and is advanced to the annulus. A trephine replaces the dilator and incises the annulus. The cannula then advances a short distance into the disc space. The disc is decompressed using curettes, trephine, micro-forceps, discectome and the laser (Figures 6 to 9). Disc removal is aided by a rocking excursion of the cannula in a 25-degree arc, a “fan sweep” motion from side to side, that creates an oval cone shaped area of removed disc totaling up to 50 degrees (Figure 7).

During the procedure the endoscope is utilized for visualization, and under magnification additional disc material and osteophytes are removed with micro-curettes, rasps, forceps and discectome (Figures 8, 9). Large spurs or a rib head obstructing entry to the disc space can be removed or can be perforated by a set of more aggressive-toothed trephines (Figure 6). A Holmium: YAG laser (Figure 2) is used to ablate additional disc (500 joules at 10 watts, 10 Hz, five seconds on and five seconds off) and then, at a lower power setting (300 joules at 5 watts), (Table 1) to shrink and contract the disc further reducing the profile of the protrusion and hardening the disc tissue, laser thermodiskoplasty 10, 11, 12, 13(Figure 7). This may also cause Sino-vertebral neurolysis or denervation. The discectome is again used briefly to remove charred debris from use of the laser. The disc space can be directly visualized by endoscopy for confirmation of disc decompression (Figure 9). The probe and cannula are removed. Marcaine (0.25%) is infiltrated subcutaneously about the wound. A band-aid is applied over the tiny wound.

Figure 6: Fluoroscopic view of PETD with micro forceps, trephine, laser probe, and rasp

Figure 6a: Micro grasper forceps

Figure 6b: Side fire laser probe

Figure 6c: Trephine

Figure 6d: Endoscopic rasp

Figure 7: Surgical technique of thoracic discectomy with "fan sweep" maneuver and endoscopic view of laser application

Figure 7a: Discectomy with micro forcep

Figure 7b: "Fan sweep" maneuver

Figure 7c: Holmium bare laser flat tip fiber in action

Figure 8: Endoscopic view of thoracic discectomy

Figure 8a: Intradiscal endoscopic view

Figure 8b: Endoscopic disc removal with cutter forceps

Figure 8c: Disc fragments removed

Figure 8d: Laser application for disc decompression

Table 1: Laser setting for thoracic laser thermodiskoplasty.

Post Operative Care 10, 11, 12, 13

The patient is checked neurologically prior to leaving the operating room. An upright portable chest x-ray done in the Recovery Room rules out a pneumothorax. Ambulation begins immediately after recovery, and the patient is usually discharged one hour after surgery. They may shower the following day. Ice pack is helpful. Mild analgesics and muscle relaxant are required at times. A progressive exercise program begins the second post-operative day. Usually patients are allowed to return to work in one to two weeks, provided heavy labor and prolonged sitting are not involved. Most patients found this procedure extremely gratifying.

Outcome

Among 360 consecutive surgical patients, average age 44.9 (16-72), with a total of 448 herniated thoracic discs demonstrated good to excellent results in 91% of patients, fair results in 5%, and poor in 4% (Table 2). Response to treatment was evaluated by using modified MacNab criteria, Oswestry disability score/index (ODI), visual analogue pain scale (VAS), patient satisfaction scoring, pain diagram and/or patient target achievement score (PTA). Average satisfaction score was 93.9%. Eighteen patients (5%) had persistent thoracic pain, although overall their pain lessened. Postoperatively on average the patients resumed usual activity in a few days and in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7weeks resumed full active lives. 10, 11, 12, 13

Table 2: Post Endoscopic Thoracic Discectomy – (360 cases) Symptomatic Improvements

Case Illustration

A 71-year old senior engineer had complained of ten months history of progressive increasing, intractable mid back pain and muscle spasm. Past history was non-contributory. Neurologic examination showed parathoracic muscle spasm was palpable adjacent to the painful T8-T9 level, hypalgesia in T8 dermatome. MRI demonstrated a large protruded thoracic disc at T8-9 level (Figure 10). Physical therapy, analgesics, and epidural steroid injections did not alleviate his discomfort. He was treated by PETD at T8-9. Postoperatively, he had complete relief of his symptoms.

Discussion

Percutaneous endoscopic thoracic microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating symptomatic herniated thoracic discs through an operating endoscope with much less tissue trauma and zero mortality. It has numerous advantages, but requires thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy, the PETD procedure, specific surgical training and hands-on experience in a laboratory and working closely with an experienced endoscopic surgeon through its steep surgical learning curve, in order for a MISS surgeon to become competent and avoid possible complications.

Advantages

The advantages 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30of PETD are numerous; in addition to those of MISS, advantages include:

  • No general anesthesia required.
  • Commonly done under local anesthesia.
  • Small incision and less scarring without multiple or large incision
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Zero mortality
  • No need of lung collapse or opening of the pleural cavity.
  • No post-operative pleural effusion, intercostal neuralgia and pneumothorax.
  • No significant infection
  • Avoiding injury to blood vessels.
  • No resection of rib.
  • No spinal fusion or fixation needed.
  • No dissection of muscle, bone, ligaments, or manipulation of the dural sac, spinal cord or nerve roots
  • Little or no epidural bleeding.
  • Minimal use of analgesics post-operatively.
  • Same-day outpatient procedure.
  • Less traumatic, physically and psychologically.
  • Does not promote further instability of spinal segments.
  • Early return to usual activities including work.
  • Costs less than conventional discectomy.
  • Multiple level discectomy feasible and well tolerated 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 29, 30.
  • Least challenging to medically high risk patients such as those with cardio-pulmonary problems, the aged and the morbidly obese.
  • Exercise programs can begin same day as surgery.
  • Direct endoscopic visualization and confirmation of the efficacy of surgery contribute to a safe and effective outcome.

Disadvantages

This technique is useful in select patients and is not appropriate to patients with severe thoracic disc extrusions causing cord compression with severe neurologic deficit (parparesis) and in patients with severe congenital or acquired stenosis of the spinal canal. In patients with severe spondylosis and foraminal stenosis, this technique may not be suitable as insertion of the endoscope may not be feasible.

Potential Complications And Their Avoidance

A thorough knowledge of the procedure and surgical anatomy of the thorax and thoracic spine, careful selection of patients and pre-operative surgical planning with appropriate diagnostic evaluations facilitate the PETD and prevent potential complications. 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 29, 30All potential complications of open approaches for thoracic disc surgery are possible but rare or much less frequent 3, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30in PETD, with no rib resection or deliberate collapse of the lung required.

Pneumothorax, pulmonary injury and post operative atelectasis: Pneumothorax is a potential complication in all approaches to thoracic discs, including PETD. Introducing the spinal needle into the “safety zone” of the disc, with the interpedicular line medially and rib head laterally at the neuroforamen, to protect it from penetrating the pleura. Direct endoscopic visualization helps to avoid pulmonary injury. Atelectasis is not a problem. Chest x-ray is obtained immediately after completing the operation to rule out pneumothorax, and to initiate treatment if present.

Infection: Avoided by careful sterile technique, using prophylactic antibiotics I-V intraoperatively and the much smaller incisional area compared to open posterolateral and transthoracic approaches, as well as the multi-port thoracoscopic approaches.