Comparison of Two Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Thoracolumbar Spinal Canal in Dogs

Abstract

The two minimally invasive approaches were feasible in small and large dogs. Both techniques allowed similar removal of simulated disc material and may decrease soft tissue morbidity compared to SH.

Operative Techniques and Preliminary Outcomes Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Thoracolumbar Pediculectomy in Dogs

“…Use of full‐endoscopic and endoscopy‐assisted procedures can reduce damage to surrounding tissues. Standard laminectomy procedures (eg, dorsal laminectomy, hemilaminectomy) require an incision of ∼3 vertebral lengths cranial and caudal to the region of interest, whereas previous reports of endoscopy‐assisted surgery required an incision of at least 2 cm . In our study, the skin incision required for the working sleeve was <1 cm.…”

“…Carozzo et al described a video‐assisted, minimally invasive approach for performing corpectomy on the thoracolumbar spine in 6 canine cadavers . More recently, Lockwood et al compared 2 minimally invasive approaches (i.e., foraminotomy using an illuminated port and endoscopic foraminotomy, and conventional hemilaminectomy of the thoracolumbar spinal canal), but this study also used canine cadavers . In the veterinary literature on endoscopic or endoscopic‐assisted approaches to the spine, only 1 study on live dogs has been reported .…”

Minimally invasive approach to lumbosacral decompression in a cadaveric canine model

“…MI spinal surgery in humans has been reported to decrease surgical complications, blood loss, iatrogenic soft-tissue injury, as well as post-operative pain and narcotic use, and a faster return to work (Mayer and Brock 1993;Foley and Lefkowitz 2002;Topcu et al 2003). Though the discipline is more nascent in veterinary medicine, several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of MI spinal surgery and provided evidence of similar benefits (Wood et al 2004;Leperlier et al 2011;Lockwood et al 2014).…”

High‐Definition Video Telescope‐Assisted Ventral Slot Decompression Surgery for Cervical Intervertebral Disc Herniation in 30 Dogs

“…Surgical loupes, the endoscope, and the operative microscope may also prevent the second surgeon from playing a more active role during the surgical procedure. Moreover, the endoscope and the operative microscope are considered to have steep learning curves …”

“…Spinal surgery may be an ideal application of the VITOM™ system as small operating spaces due to the sizes of veterinary patients require a maneuverable and unobtrusive visualization system. Currently, the veterinary literature on minimally invasive video‐assisted canine spine surgery is limited to a single clinical study on the cervical ventral slot procedure using a Destandau endospine device (Karl Storz Endoscopy) and two cadaveric studies on thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy or hemilaminectomy using an endoscope and a 30° arthroscope combined with a system of tubular dilators (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) . The VITOM™ system has recently been described in the veterinary literature to assist pituitary adenoma removal in dogs …”