Operative Procedure

The patient is positioned supine on the operating table after general endotracheal anesthesia has been instituted. The arms should be tucked at the side, and the hands and wrist should be checked to ensure that they are positioned without undue pressure. Typically, a towel roll or other bolster is placed between the scapulae. This towel roll allows the head to be placed in a slight amount of extension and the shoulders to lie slightly extended at the side for adequate exposure of the junction. The head should also be turned either slightly right or slightly left depending on the surgeon’s preferred approach. A left-sided approach to a virgin neck is preferable because the laryngeal nerve has a more reliable course into the tracheoesophageal groove on this side.^4,5

If possible, the head section of the operating table should be lowered to allow further extension of the neck. The shoulders are pulled distally at the side with adhesive tape and secured to the bed frame so that if a lateral intraoperative image is obtained, it is relatively unimpeded by the overlying shoulder osseous structures. Care should be taken not to overpull the shoulders and risk a traction neurapraxia of the brachial plexus. Patients may be placed in slight Trendelenburg position to decrease venous pooling and engorgement. Next, the area of the neck from the angle of the jaw and mastoid process to the xiphoid is prepared. Enough room should be left distal on the chest so that if the incision needs to be extended, it is still within a sterile field.

The surgical incision is typically made from the left anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the notch and can be continued distally along the middle of the manubrium (Fig. 18–2A). The first portion of the approach is an extension of the standard Smith-Robinson approach. Other authors have described a transverse incision that parallels the medial half of the clavicle. The vertical extension of the incision depends on the overall exposure required by the treating surgeon. If exposure from C7 to T4 is needed in its entirety, the vertical portion of the incision is made with the distal portion terminating just distal to the suprasternal notch. The extent of the incision is typically to the third costal cartilage.

FIGURE 18–2 A, Inverted L-shaped incision for cervicothoracic junction. Mid-sternal extension of incision can be extended further vertically for more exposure distally. B, Insertion of sternocleidomastoid muscle into clavicular head. C, Sternocleidomastoid muscle retracted laterally revealing underlying strap muscle. Carotid sheath and jugular vein should be mobilized laterally as well. D, Skin incision extended in preparation for resection of clavicle.

After marking the incision, a No. 10 blade scalpel is used to incise down to the subcutaneous layer. Dissection is done through the platysma, creating flaps on either side for easier closure at the end of the case. Care should be taken not to injure the jugular veins, but they may be sacrificed if further exposure is needed. The strap muscles including the sternocleidomastoid are identified as they insert into the clavicle (Fig. 18–2B and C). Next, the clavicular and manubrial insertions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle are elevated subperiosteally proximally and laterally. The remaining strap muscles should be elevated in a similar manner and taken medially.

When visualized, subperiosteal stripping of the medial third of the clavicle and ipsilateral half of the manubrium should be performed. This stripping exposes the osseous structures for distal exposure to the lower cervical thoracic junction. The clavicle can be sectioned at the middle to medial third junction with an oscillating saw or osteotome (Fig. 18–2D). Care should be taken not to injure the underlying subclavian vein that is in close proximity. When freed laterally, the clavicle can be disarticulated from the manubrium providing exposure to the proximal cervicothoracic junction.

For a more extensive distal exposure, an alternative to clavicular resection and disarticulation involves a sternum-splitting approach. After performing the proximal incision, the skin incision can be extended further distally for added exposure (see Fig. 18–2A). Next, the sternocleidomastoid and strap muscles are dissected subperiosteally from the manubrium and sternum to expose the midline to the anticipated level desired. One is usually able to use this dissection to visualize down to the T4 vertebral level. The manubrium is split longitudinally in the midline with an oscillating or Gigli saw and retracted with self-retaining retractors. Care should be taken not to injure the structures in the retropleural fascia with the saw. This area is protected by dissecting the thymus and surrounding fat from behind the manubrium. Also, care should be taken to avoid injuring the thoracic duct because it ascends to the left of the esophagus from the level of T4 to its junction with the left internal jugular and subclavian veins. A Kerrison rongeur can be used to complete the osteotomy on the posterior aspect of the manubrium. The innominate vein and inferior thyroid vein may also be encountered and can be ligated if necessary for exposure.

When adequate exposure from overlying osseous structures is obtained, dissection proceeds by finding an interval between the trachea and esophagus medially and the carotid sheath laterally. This is a relatively avascular plane, and one should encounter minimal bleeding in this zone. The surgeon should palpate for the carotid pulse laterally before dissection to ensure that the approach stays medial to the sheath. The laryngeal nerve reliably runs between the trachea and esophagus on the left side after looping around the aorta. If retractors are used in this area, the surgeon should ensure that they remain outside this tissue; otherwise, injury to the nerve may occur. After placing the retractors and developing the interval, distally the right brachiocephalic artery can be taken laterally to the patient’s right along with the trachea and esophagus. The left brachiocephalic and subclavian veins can be retracted inferolaterally to the patient’s left. When approaching the prevertebral fascia, a kitner can be used to thin the fascia in a longitudinal manner. This thinning allows the surgeon to visualize the longus colli muscles, which run on either side of the cervicothoracic spine. With the junction fully exposed, the surgeon can proceed with the primary operative objective (i.e., corpectomy, fusion, discectomy, débridement).

Finally, closure should be performed in a stepwise manner.⁶ If a sternal split was performed, wiring of the sternum and manubrium should be employed to reapproximate the two halves. If the clavicle is disarticulated, it should be reintroduced and fixed into place. Next, strap muscles should be repaired with absorbable sutures, and the sternocleidomastoid should be reattached to its insertion in a similar manner. The platysma can be reapproximated with running or interrupted absorbable sutures, and a suction drain can be placed just underneath this muscle before its closure.

Operative Procedure

Before positioning the patient, it is recommended that a double-lumen endotracheal tube with lung isolation be used.⁸ The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the desired operative side up (Fig. 18–3A). Positioning the patient in this manner can be accomplished using a deflatable beanbag or foam-type bolster. The surgeon should ensure that all bony prominences are well padded. A soft roll is placed just distal to the axilla to prevent pressure on the brachial plexus. The arms are abducted, and the elbows and knees are slightly flexed in a position of comfort. The ipsilateral arm may be positioned comfortably by keeping it abducted on stacked pillows or blankets just under the arm and forearm. The surgeon should ensure that the head is also positioned comfortably and that no undue stress is placed on the head-neck junction. Preparation and draping is done in the usual sterile fashion from the shoulder to just above the iliac crest and from below the mid-spine posteriorly to below the umbilicus anteriorly.

FIGURE 18–3 A, Patient in lateral decubitus position with left side up. Positioning of patient in this manner can be accomplished using deflatable beanbag or foam-type bolster. All bony prominences must be well padded as well. B, Second rib is often highest easily palpated rib, whereas first rib is situated inside the second. C, Parietal pleura is resected back from vertebral column exposing intervertebral discs. It is safer to begin dissection over disc where it is relatively avascular.

The incision is drawn from the T1 spinous process, following the curvature of the medial-to-inferior border of the scapula. The incision is continued anteriorly along the seventh rib and ends on the costal cartilage of the third rib. This same trajectory is followed by incising through skin and subcutaneous tissue with a No. 10 blade knife. Next, the muscles of the trapezius and latissimus dorsi are identified and divided in a layered fashion with electrocautery. Any bleeders that are encountered in the muscle during this approach are cauterized. Rarely, the rhomboid major and serratus posterior also need to be divided in a similar manner.⁷ As the muscle layers are divided further, using a retractor, the scapula is retracted proximally; doing this makes it easier to cut the muscles.

When exposure of the chest wall is accomplished, the surgeon counts down the ribs to the operative level. The second rib is often the highest easily palpated rib, and the first rib is situated inside the second (Fig. 18–3B). At this stage, the lung on the operative side can be selectively deflated. When the operative level (the third rib in this case) has been confirmed and the lung has been deflated, the intercostal muscles are stripped off of the rib extraperiosteally using a periosteal elevator. A Doyen rib elevator is an excellent dissection tool to strip the muscle circumferentially from the rib while preserving the underlying intercostal nerve and vessels. When exposed, the rib can be resected using a rib cutter. The rib is cut as far posterolaterally and anteromedially as possible. This rib can be used as bone graft if desired. The remaining rib bed can be transected, and the pleural cavity can be entered; this can be done safely with the lung selectively deflated on this side. A chest spreader can be used to provide retraction for entry into the chest cavity. A second spreader can be placed at a right angle in the surrounding soft tissue to allow for maximal exposure. The lung can be protected further with a malleable retractor shielded with a sponge.

With the lung deflated, the spine can be visualized at the base of the incision. At this time, it is important to identify clearly the neurovascular structures in the area. The aorta, the spine, parietal pleura, veins, and sympathetic plexus should be recognized. The parietal pleura is incised over the desired disc space with atraumatic pickups and Metzenbaum scissors in a longitudinal fashion with the spine. This area is typically relatively avascular and a safer plane for initial dissection than the vertebral body (Fig. 18–3C). When the vertebral body is exposed, the intercostal arteries and veins are visualized, ligated, and cut appropriately. Further exposure of the adjacent vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs can be obtained by extending the incision of the pleura proximally or distally or both, but with each level, ligature of the intercostal artery and vein may be required.

Closure of the approach and incision should be performed in a stepwise fashion. The parietal pleura should be reapproximated if possible. Reinflation of the lung should be visualized before closure of the remaining ribs. A rib reapproximator can assist with closing the defect of the resected rib with nonabsorbable suture or wire in a figure-of-eight fashion. Care should be taken not to encompass the inferior neurovascular bundle. Also, the lung should be protected during closure. A chest tube drain should be placed through a separate aperture inferiorly, preferably the ninth intercostal space, and set to water seal. The wound is dressed appropriately with sterile dressings.

Operative Procedure

A double-lumen endotracheal tube with lung isolation is used.⁸ The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the desired operative side up. Approaching from the left side may require one to manipulate the aorta and segmental vessels on the left. When possible, a right-sided approach allows more spinal surface area exposure from behind the azygos vein than behind the aorta. Exposure from T10 to T12 is more easily accomplished from the left, however, because the liver causes the diaphragm to ride higher on the right; limiting the visibility of the spine on this side.

Selective positioning can be accomplished by using a deflatable beanbag or foam-type bolster placed underneath the patient’s right torso. The surgeon should ensure that all bony prominences are well padded. An intravenous fluid bag or other soft roll can be placed just distal to the axilla to prevent pressure on the brachial plexus. The arms are abducted and the elbows are slightly flexed in a position of comfort using blankets or pillows to hold them in position (Fig. 18–4A). The hip and knee nearest the bed are slightly flexed, and the contralateral extremity is allowed to remain more extended and slightly adducted. The weight of the contralateral leg helps open the rib interspace when exposure is accomplished. The surgeon also should ensure that the head is positioned comfortably in a neutral position.

FIGURE 18–4 A, Patient is placed in lateral decubitus position. Arms are abducted and elbows are slightly flexed in a position of comfort using blankets or pillows to hold their position. B, Thoracotomy incision is centered over rib to be resected. Incision is drawn from posterior angle of corresponding rib and following its curvature anteriorly. Typically, numbered rib that is resected is considered to be two levels above expected working level. C, Doyen elevator can be used to remove muscle subperiosteally from undersurface of rib. D, Rib cutter is used to cut rib posteriorly from costotransverse joint and angle of rib and anteriorly at costal junction. E, Edge of pleura can be picked up with Adson forceps, and rib bed can be opened with semiclosed scissors. Rib spreader is used to provide retraction during entry into chest cavity. F, Parietal pleura covers spine and adjacent neurovascular structures. Dissection is begun over disc space to avoid injury to these structures. G, Intercostal vessels are dissected and isolated with right-angle clamp; 2-0 sutures or clips are used to tie off each vessel before being cut in center between ties.

To localize the operative level, a fluoroscopic image can be obtained preoperatively before the incision. Otherwise, the desired rib level can be confirmed by counting the ribs by palpating from proximal to distal. One may also count from the 12th rib proximally. Typically, the numbered rib that is resected is considered to be two levels above the expected working area because of the oblique orientation of the ribs. When the numbered rib is identified, the incision is drawn from the posterior angle of the corresponding rib following its curvature anteriorly (Fig. 18–4B). The incision should be made through skin and subcutaneous tissue with a No. 10 blade knife. The incision is deepened with electrocautery, and any bleeders that are encountered are coagulated. Care should be taken not to injure the neurovascular bundle that runs on the undersurface of the rib.

Next, the muscles of the latissimus dorsi are identified and divided in a layered fashion in line with the incision and overlying the rib with the electrocautery. It should not be necessary to separate this muscle from the surrounding tissue. A portion of the posterior margin of the serratus anterior lies on the undersurface of the latissimus and may be divided. As the muscle is divided anteriorly, any bleeders that are encountered are cauterized. When the superficial surface of the rib is exposed, the intercostal muscles are separated from the periosteum with a periosteal elevator, such as an Alexander-Farabeuf periosteotome. Also, the undersurface of tissue is released from the rib; this can be done circumferentially with a Doyen dissector (Fig. 18–4C). Dissection should be far posteriorly and anteriorly for adequate exposure. Next, a rib cutter is used to cut the rib anteriorly at the costal junction and posteriorly at the costotransverse junction for sufficient surgical access (Fig. 18–4D). This rib can be used as bone graft if desired. The cut edges are smoothed with a rasp, and bone wax is applied if active bleeding is present.

The ipsilateral lung is selectively deflated, and the pleural cavity is entered with a pickup and Metzenbaum scissors (Fig. 18–4E). A rib spreader can be used to provide retraction for entry into the chest cavity. A second spreader can be placed at a right angle in the surrounding soft tissue to allow for maximal exposure. The lung can be protected further with a malleable retractor shielded with a sponge.

With the lung deflated, the spine can be clearly visualized. The neurovascular structures in the area are identified (Fig. 18–4F). The parietal pleura is incised over the desired disc space with atraumatic pickups and Metzenbaum scissors in a longitudinal fashion, and the pleura is retracted laterally. Care should be taken not to injure the segmental vessels, which may bleed incessantly if not tied or clipped in a controlled fashion. The vessels close to the middle of the vertebral body are dissected and ligated, and the arteries are clamped away from the aorta. If the segmental arteries are tied too close to the aorta, the tie can loosen, and bleeding can resume. A right-angle clamp is used to free the vessel, and a 2-0 tie is passed around the vessel (Fig. 18–4G). Further exposure of the adjacent vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs can be obtained by extending the incision of the pleura proximally or distally or both, but with each level ligature of the segmental vessels may be required. With adequate exposure, the disc interspace and pedicle can be identified by following the head of the rib to its base. The disc is the more prominent, white, soft structure flanking the larger recessed vertebral bodies.

Closure of the incision should be performed in a stepwise fashion. The parietal pleura should be reapproximated, and reinflation of the lung should be visualized before closure of the incision. A chest tube drain is placed through a separate aperture inferiorly, preferably the ninth intercostal space, and set to water seal. A rib reapproximator is used to assist with closing the defect of the resected rib with nonabsorbable suture or wire in a figure-of-eight fashion. The lung should be protected during closure. The wound should be dressed appropriately with sterile dressings.

Anatomy of Thoracolumbar Junction

The thoracolumbar junction constitutes the lower three thoracic and upper two lumbar vertebrae. This region is a transition zone from a stiffer and less mobile kyphotic thoracic spine to a more mobile, lordotic lumbar spine. It is this characteristic that lends this region to a higher incidence of trauma.¹⁰

When examining the thoracolumbar junction, the aorta lies to the left of midline in the lower chest, and the azygos vein, splanchnic nerves, and thoracic duct lie to the right of midline. From T10 to L2, the segmental arteries run in a horizontal direction from the posterior aortic midline. The L2-4 arteries run in a descending direction from the midline aorta and horizontally toward their corresponding vertebral body.

Understanding the orientation of the diaphragm is one of the most important concepts of this approach. This dome-shaped organ marks the junction between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It is composed of two parts—a clover-shaped central tendon and a fleshier peripheral portion that has parietal attachments. The diaphragm attaches to L1, through the crura, and through the arcuate ligaments and four lower ribs. Anteriorly, it attaches to the six lower costal cartilages and the posterior surface of the xiphoid process. Posteriorly, it attaches to the spine via the medial arcuate ligaments, which arise from the crura, bridge the psoas muscle, and insert onto the transverse process of L1. The lateral arcuate ligament leaves the same transverse process and bridges over the quadratus lumborum to attach to the tips of the 12th rib. The left and right crura continue with the anterior longitudinal ligament to surround the aorta and the esophagus.

The psoas muscle remains in a retroperitoneal space where it attaches to the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae before inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur. Other structures include the ureter that runs between the peritoneum and the psoas fascia, which normally falls forward away from the operative field.

Operative Procedure

Either a left-sided or a right-sided surgical approach can be undertaken; a left-sided dissection is preferred. A left-sided approach avoids being obscured by the liver or having to mobilize the vena cava. If injured, the vena cava can bleed profusely, and the thin-walled vessel can often be difficult to suture. A right-sided approach may be necessary, however, to treat some pathology or may be the required approach in accessing the convexity in a scoliotic spine.¹¹

A double-lumen endotracheal tube is recommended to deflate the lung selectively on the operative side. Placement of a Foley catheter and nasogastric tube may be done before positioning the patient. The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the desired operative side up. The preferable position is with the left side up. If there is a break in the operative table, the operative level must be centered over this break. Positioning may be accomplished using a deflatable beanbag or foam-type bolster. The surgeon should ensure all bony prominences are well padded. An intravenous fluid bag or other soft roll is placed just distal to the axilla to prevent pressure on the brachial plexus. The arms are abducted, and the elbows are slightly flexed in a position of comfort using blankets or pillows to hold their position. The hip and knee nearest the operating table are flexed, and the contralateral extremity is allowed to remain more extended and slightly adducted. The surgeon should ensure that the head is also positioned comfortably in a neutral position on a small cushion.

The patient is secured to the operating room table with 3-inch tape over the shoulders and over the distal hip. When the patient is secured, a brief preoperative image with fluoroscopy can be obtained to ensure adequate visualization of the intended level. When visualization is satisfactory, the surgical site can be isolated with ten-ten drapes, and the skin can be sterilely draped.

The operative level is reconfirmed with a fluoroscopic image before incision. The desired rib level also can be isolated by counting the ribs; this can be accomplished by counting from the 12th rib proximally. The incision is typically made at the 9th, 10th, or 11th rib depending on the operative level and amount of exposure required (Fig. 18–5A). After the site of the incision is identified, the surgeon draws the incision from the posterior angle of the corresponding rib, following its curvature anteriorly and ending distally to the level just lateral of the pubic symphysis if needed. The curvilinear incision allows for exposure of the distal thoracic and lumbar spine. The incision should be made through skin with a No. 10 blade knife and deepened with the electrocautery. Any bleeders are coagulated as they are encountered. Care is taken not to injure the neurovascular bundle that runs on the undersurface of the rib during its exposure.

FIGURE 18–5 A, Patient is placed in lateral decubitus position with desired operative side up. Incision is typically made at 9th, 10th, or 11th rib depending on operative level and amount of exposure required. B, Resected rib can be used as bone graft during procedure. C, Costal cartilage is split allowing entrance into retroperitoneal space. D, Peritoneum should be swept off abdominal muscles and diaphragm. E, Rib spreader can be used to provide retraction for entry into chest cavity. Lung is further protected with malleable retractor shielded with sponge. F, Diaphragm is incised exposing discs of spine.

Next, the muscles of the latissimus dorsi and the external oblique muscle are identified and divided above the desired rib in a layered fashion with the electrocautery. As the muscle is divided anteriorly, any bleeders that are encountered are cauterized. The superficial surface of the rib is exposed to the costal cartilage, and the intercostal muscles are separated from the periosteum with a periosteal elevator. The release can also be performed with a Doyen dissector. Dissection should occur far posteriorly and anteriorly for adequate exposure. A rib cutter is used to cut the rib anteriorly at the costal junction and posteriorly at the costotransverse junction for sufficient surgical access. The rib bed is left intact at this junction of the exposure. This rib can be used as bone graft if desired (Fig. 18–5B). The cut edges are smoothed with a rasp, and bone wax is applied if actively bleeding.

The ipsilateral lung is selectively deflated, and the pleura is identified; this can be accomplished by splitting the undersurface of the costal cartilage anteriorly. Care is taken to avoid injuring the pleura. The retroperitoneal space is entered through the cartilaginous portion of the rib with blunt dissection (Fig. 18–5C). If resecting the 12th rib, the diaphragm attaches to it superiorly and the transverse abdominis muscle inferiorly. Retracing the diaphragm proximal and the abdominal muscle distal allows entrance into the retroperitoneum. The peritoneum should be swept off the abdominal muscles and diaphragm (Fig. 18–5D). The peritoneum occasionally extends to the tip of the 11th rib, but it usually extends to the mid-portion of the 12th rib. The surgeon can use a sponge gauze wrapped on his or her fingertip or a sponge stick to sweep off the peritoneum.

The internal and external oblique and transversus abdominis muscles are incised in a layered fashion as needed for exposure. With the pleura dissected, the rib bed can be opened with scissors. A rib spreader can be used to provide retraction for entry into the chest cavity. A second spreader can be placed at a right angle in the surrounding soft tissue to allow for maximal exposure. The lung is protected further with a malleable retractor shielded with a sponge (Fig. 18–5E).

When exposure into the thoracoabdominal cavity has been achieved, the peritoneum should be bluntly swept off the psoas muscle and the undersurface of the diaphragm to expose the retroperitoneal space further. This allows the diaphragm to be clearly visualized for release. The diaphragm is incised from the inside chest wall for a circumferential release (Fig. 18–5F). A 1-cm cuff of muscle must be left for later reapproximation during closure. It is beneficial to tag the ends of the muscle and diaphragm for anatomic positioning during the repair. The crus of the diaphragm may need to be taken down from L1 to L2 for further exposure; this allows access to vertebral bodies T12-L1.

In the thoracic spine, the parietal pleura is opened in the usual fashion to expose the vertebral body. The intercostal vessels are tied and ligated before mobilizing the major vessels for access to the vertebral bodies. The vessels should be tied at least 1 cm from the intervertebral foramen. The sympathetic plexus should be avoided when exposing the intercostal vessels. In the lumbar spine, if the psoas muscle needs to be mobilized, this should be done subperiosteally to prevent any injury to the lumbar roots. Any bleeding that may occur with electrocautery must be controlled.

Closure should be performed in a layered fashion. An appropriately sized chest tube is placed. The diaphragm should be reapproximated and repaired with nonabsorbable sutures. The pleura over the spine and rib head should be closed if possible. The intra-abdominal muscles should be closed in a layered fashion, and the lung should be visualized while reinflated. A malleable retractor is used to protect the viscera while repairing the muscles. The surgeon needs to pay close attention to the junction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Lack of appropriate closure risks the development of a hernia. Finally, the skin is closed with suture or staples, and sterile dressings are applied.

Surgical Procedure

Intraoperative monitoring for thoracic procedures may be used, including an arterial pressure catheter, pulse oximeter, and end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement. Neurologic monitoring may be beneficial to monitor patients undergoing spinal deformity correction or corpectomy. A thoracic surgeon should be available in the event of any vascular complication or need to convert to an open thoracotomy procedure.

The patient should be positioned in a similar manner as for an open thoracotomy. The patient is placed in a lateral decubitus position on a beanbag with the table flexed maximally to widen the intercostal spaces. General endotracheal anesthesia should be administered with the use of a double-lumen or Univent tube to allow selective ventilation of the contralateral lung. Collapse of the ipsilateral lung allows clearer visualization of the operative field. After positioning the patient, the surgeon needs to ensure the patient is appropriately secured to the operative table and that all bony prominences are well padded. Securing the patient allows the surgeon to rotate or maneuver the table for more comfortable instrument positioning and to use gravity for better visualization of the operative field as the lung falls forward; this can be accomplished by rolling the patient forward by 10 to 15 degrees.

Mark the portal positions and check with intraoperative imaging to ensure they are in accordance to the desired operative level. These portals are placed in a manner to triangulate directly over the level of the pathology. There are numerous portal configurations ranging from T-shaped to L-shaped.⁷ Typically, two to three working portals are used, and two others are used for instrumentation (Fig. 18–6A and B). One portal may be placed directly over the pathology posterior to the midaxillary line. Another portal is placed two levels superiorly at the midaxillary line, and one is placed at the level of pathology or more distal. The fourth portal may be placed anterior to the midaxillary line also near the operative level.

FIGURE 18–6 A, Diagram for trocar positions for T7-8 pathology. B, Actual trocar positions.

A 1-inch oblique incision is made into the skin with the ipsilateral lung deflated. An anterosuperior portal is typically placed to minimize injury of the diaphragm. Sharp dissection is performed down to the intercostal muscles. The fascia may be taken down with electrocautery. The chest cavity is entered with a blunt clamp or thoracoscopic introducer. The surgeon should enter on the superior surface of the rib to protect the intercostal neurovascular bundle.

A 10-mm, 30-degree angled rigid telescope is placed through a 10-mm trocar. A 0-degree end-viewing scope and a 30-degree scope are used for direct vision of the intervertebral disc space to avoid impeding surgical instrumentation or obscuring the operative field. Subsequent portals should be placed under direct thoracoscopic visualization. The portals are used for placement of surgical instruments. The patient is rotated anteriorly 10 to 15 degrees and placed in a Trendelenburg position for the lower thoracic spine or reverse Trendelenburg for the upper thoracic spine. The lung usually falls away from the operative field when completely collapsed, obviating the need for retraction instruments. Otherwise, a fan retractor can be used to retract the lung further.

In contrast to other VATS procedures in which the surgeon and assistant are positioned on opposite sides of the operating table, the surgeon and assistant for spine surgery are positioned on the anterior side of the patient viewing a monitor on the opposite side. In addition, the camera and the viewing field are rotated 90 degrees from the standard VATS approach so that the spine is viewed horizontally.

An initial exploratory thoracoscopy is performed to determine the correct spinal level for operative intervention. If any pleural adhesions are encountered, these can be taken down with monopolar cautery scissors. The ribs are counted by “palpation” with a blunt grasping instrument. When the target level has been defined, a 20-gauge long needle or Kirschner wire is placed percutaneously into the disc space from the lateral aspect and confirmed radiographically.

When the correct level is determined, the parietal pleura is incised over the rib head with cautery and monopolar scissors. The edge of the pleura is grasped, and the incision is extended cephalad and caudad with a hook dissector to expose the desired levels. Care is taken not to injure the segmental vessels as exposure proceeds. If a discectomy is planned, exposure of the adjacent vertebral bodies may be sufficient without the need to ligate the segmental vessels. If more extensive exposure is necessary, the segmental vessels need to be clipped and ligated.

The rib head is exposed and mobilized by dividing the costovertebral ligaments. Division of the rib is done 2 to 3 cm from the spine with the use of a Kerrison rib cutter or high-speed drill. The disc space, pedicle, and posterior margins of the vertebral body are revealed after the rib head is removed. Further exposure of the exiting nerve root and orientation of the spinal canal are accomplished by resecting the pedicle and superior vertebra.

After completion of the intended thoracoscopic procedure, the surgeon should recheck to ensure adequate hemostasis is present. Any visceral pleural tears should be repaired using standard thoracoscopic methods. The wound is irrigated copiously, and a chest tube is placed through the most caudad trocar site with the tip near the apex. The lung is allowed to expand under direct vision to ensure all segments reinflate appropriately. All trocar sites are closed with absorbable 2-0 sutures for the fascia and staples for the skin. The chest tube is secured with 2-0 silk and placed to underwater seal and suction.

Postoperative x-rays are obtained to ensure re-expansion of the lung, and serial x-rays are done each day until it is determined this follow-up imaging can be discontinued. Typically, this occurs when drainage is less than 150 mL in a 24-hour period and no air leak has been present.