Anterior release and fusion in pediatric spinal deformity : A comparison of early outcome and cost of thoracoscopic and open thoracotomy approaches

A consecutive series of patients undergoing thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and fusion for scoliosis or kyphosis was compared with a consecutive series of patients treated with an open thoracotomy approach. To compare the early clinical results, costs, and charges of performing an anterior thoracic spinal release and fusion with the two approaches. The thoracoscopic approach to the spine is gaining acceptance, yet there are little data comparing the technique with standard open methods for the treatment of spinal deformity. The first 14 thoracoscopic cases performed at the authors' hospital were compared with 18 open thoracotomy cases treated during the previous 12-month period. In each case the discs were excised and bone grafted before performing a posterior fusion. The early clinical outcomes and the hospital charges/costs were analyzed. The percent curve correction was similar between the thoracoscopic and open methods: scoliosis 56% and 60%, respectively; kyphosis, 88% and 94%, respectively. The blood loss and complication rates were similar between the two groups; however, the chest tube output was greater in the thoracoscopic group. The length of hospital stay was not reduced, and the cost of the open procedure is 29% less than the thoracoscopic approach. The minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach avoids cutting the chest/shoulder musculature, greatly decreasing the morbidity of anterior spinal surgery. The thoracoscopic technique is a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy in the approach to the anterior thoracic spine for the treatment of pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity.