Abstract

PLATAS, Marcelo; LAMBRE, Jorge; CERSOSIMO, Martín  and  ORTIZ, Silvia. Abordajes toracolumbares anteriores en lesiones raquimedulares: experiencia en 72 casos. Rev. argent. neurocir. [online]. 2010, vol.24, n.2, pp.49-59. ISSN 1850-1532.

Objective To analyse retrospectively our experience in two surgical centers in Buenos Aires, managing 72 cases of spinal lesions of different ethiologies, using anterior surgical approaches to the thoracolumbar spine. Material and method. Indications, surgical techniques and results, as well as complications in 72 cases requiring a thorcolumbar anterior approach performed between 1996 and 2009 were analised. Surgical route was chosen according to the level and extension of the injuries. Those between T4 and T10 were approached using a right thoracotomy: for lesions between T11 and L1, we used a left thoracotomy, with or without diaphragmatic section. For levels L2 L3, a left lumbotomy was performed. In most cases, arthtodesis was followed by segemental stabilisation with different devices. In all cases, we were assisted intra and postoperatively by a surgical team (general surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons and urologic surgeons). Results. Almost 50% of the cases were located between T10 and L2. 14 cases were exclusively lumbar lesions: in one case, the cardiovascular surgical team was required (sternotomy to expose T2T3). Trauma was the most common ethiological agent, followed by tumors: degenerative and infectious causes were uncommon. 21 patients required a combined anterior and posterior approach. Morbidity related to surgery was of 14% in our series, superficial infections being the most frequent finding (6 cases). Mortality related to surgery reached 1.33% (1 case). Conclusions. In our experience (72 cases operated on during the last 13 years), and with an adequate patient selection, the anterior approach resulted safe and effective, with an acceptable morbidity grossly equal to that described in the literature.

Keywords : Thoracolumbar spine; Anterolateral approach; Arthrodesis; Spinal stabilisation.

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