Article
Transforaminal approach in thoracic disc herniations: TransForaminal MicroDiscectomy (TFMD) technique
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Published: | May 13, 2014 |
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Objective: Many surgical approaches have been defined and implemented in the last few decades for thoracic disc herniations. The endoscopic foraminal approach in foraminal, lateral and far-lateral disc hernias is a contemporary minimal invasive approach. This study was performed to show that the approach is possible using the microscope without an endoscope, and even the intervention on the discs within the spinal canal is possible by having access through the foramen.
Method: Forty-two cases with disc hernias medial to the plane of the pedicle were included in this study. Surgeries were performed with microsurgical technique through a transforaminal approach. Extraforaminal disc hernias were not included in the study. Access was made through the Kambin's triangle, the foramen was enlarged and the spinal canal was entered.
Results: The procedure took 65 minutes on average and the mean blood loss was about 100cc. Patients were mobilized within the same day of surgery. No complications were seen. Follow-up periods range between 5 and 84 months. The mean follow-up time is 30.2 months.
Conclusions: Transforaminal microdiscectomy is a method that can be performed in any clinic with standard spinal surgery equipment. It does not require additional equipment or occasion high costs.