Combined approach to intrathoracic lesions invading the spinal cord

The treatment of intrathoracic lesions invading the spine has two main issu es: the surgical route to be preferred and the incidence of complications f ollowing the operation. As a matter of fact surgical treatment, performed I n two stages, has a higher risk of cord accidents. Some authors have propos ed a combined thoraco-vertebral surgical route which allows the exposition of both the spine and the chest. We experienced the utility of such a surgi cal approach in the treatment of two endothoracic lesions invading the thor acic spine and requiring the stabilization of the rachis. Satisfactory resu lts were achieved without morbility.