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Management of Thoracic Disc Herniation Using the Mini-Open Retropleural Approach: Technique Illustration and Clinical Outcomes of 33 Patients From a Single Academic Center.

BACKGROUND
Conventional surgical approaches used in the management of thoracic disc herniation (TDH) are associated with high morbidity. The development of minimally invasive and mini-open approaches has consistently improved patient outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
To report our experience and outcomes of patients with symptomatic TDHs who underwent discectomy and partial corpectomy using the mini-open retropleural (MORP) approach as well as provide a detailed and illustrated technical description of the approach.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with symptomatic TDHs who underwent a MORP approach at a tertiary academic center between 2011 and 2019. Patient demographic, clinical, and imaging data were examined (n = 33). The surgical technique is illustrated and described in detail.


RESULTS
Discectomy of the herniated thoracic discs was successfully achieved in all patients using the MORP approach. Calcified discs were present in 63.6% (n = 21) of patients. Immediate instrumentation and fusion were performed in 30.3% (n = 10) of patients, which were among the earlier cases in this series. Symptomatic pleural effusions and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 6.1% (n = 2) and 9.1% (n = 3), respectively. No patient required chest tube placement.


CONCLUSION
The MORP approach described in this manuscript is feasible and safe in achieving discectomy in patients with symptomatic TDHs. Compared to conventional open and other minimally invasive approaches, patients undergoing the MORP approach may have better outcomes with lower complication rates.