Complications analysis of thoracoscopic assisted thoracic spine surgery

Objective: To analyze occurrence prevention and treatment of the complications of thoracoscopic assisted thoracic spine surgery.Method:Retrospective review of 118 patients who underwent standard thoracoscopic technique or video-assisted thoracic surgical procedure since Oct 1998 to May 2003.The treatment of thoracic disease included debridment and/or spinal reconstruction.The total number and type of all complications were recorded,and its mechanism,prevention and treatment were analyzed.Result:Complications occurred in 10 patients.1 patient′s lung was injuried by the trach.2 patients suffered from pneumonia,3 pulmonary atelectasis,1 patient obtained transient monoplegia,2 patients suffered from kyphosis deformation and pain.Spinal TB relapsed 8 monthes after thoracosiopic procedure in one patient.Conclusion:Thoracicscopic technique is mininvasive.The complication incidence of thoracoscopic spinal approaches is low.Some complication are special to thoracicscopic technique.However once obey operation principle with ameliorated anesthesia technic,proper surgical indication and consummated the perioperative treatment,thoracoscopic assisted spinal anterior approaches prove to be safe and good operative procedures.