Lateral Extracavitary vs Costotransversectomy Approaches to the Thoracic Spine

Abstract

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND:The lateral extracavitary approach (LECA) and costotransversectomy (CTE) are 2 dorsolateral approaches that avoid entrance into the pleural cavity and facilitate ventral decompression. The indications and outcomes of each of these approaches have not been fully defined in the literature.OBJECTIVE:To assess the techniques, indications, and complications associated with the LECA and CTE approaches to the thoracic spine.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent LECA and CTE between 2000 and 2009 at our institution.RESULTS:A total of 54 patient charts were reviewed (19 LECA, 35 CTE). Indications for operation included disk herniation, trauma, tumor, osteomyelitis, and scoliosis/kyphosis. Osteomyelitis was treated significantly more often with LECA (47%) than with CTE (9%; P = .002). Mean blood loss was 2134 mL and 1556 mL (P = .3) in LECA and CTE, respectively, and hospital stay was 17.2 days for LECA and 9.8 days for CTE (P = .07). Thirteen LECA patients (68%) and 19 CTE patients (54%; P = 1.0) had preoperative or postoperative complications.CONCLUSION:LECA was used more often to treat complex pathologies such as osteomyelitis and trended toward significance for more frequent use in extensive procedures involving 1- or 2-level corpectomies. As can be expected, CTE was associated with slightly less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay compared with the more extensive LECA operation. Adverse outcomes occurred with similar frequency for CTE and LECA.