ALERT!

This site is not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 (or older).

Please upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or use an alternate browser such as Chrome or Firefox.

Anterior Thoracic Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Spinal Infections and Neoplasms

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Submitted by

Mark Ferguson

Source

Source Name: Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Source URL: http://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975%2813%2902172-3/abstract

Author(s)

Matthew J. Schuchert, Kristen N. McCormick, Ghulam Abbas, Arjun Pennathur, Joshua P. Landreneau, James R. Landreneau, Andre Pitanga, Jamilly Gomes, Felipè Franca, Matthew El-Kadi, Andrew B. Peitzman, Peter F. Ferson, James D. Luketich, Rodney J. Landreneau

The University of Pittsburgh experience with anterior approaches to spinal problems is summarized. Approaches included cervical/sternotomy in 8 pts, thoracotomy in 79, and thoracoabominal in 43 for infection (50), primary neoplasms (22), and metastases (58). 30 and 90 day mortality were 9% and 21%, and the major complication rate was 28%. The procedures appeared to be effective in relieving symptoms.