Endoscopic approaches to the thoracic spine

Endoscopic surgery of the thoracic spine has up to now been considered as a n experimental procedure. Reports published in recent years have shown that the results achieved with this technique are as good as, or for some indic ations superior to, those reported for classic open approaches. A review of the indications, limitations, advantages and disadvantages is presented. A lthough there is still resistance to acknowledging the effectiveness of thi s procedure, experience has shown that the results are as good, complicatio ns are fewer and postoperative recovery is improved, thus shortening the to tal hospitalization time.