P20. Thoracoscopic anterior versus open posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The Learning Curve Associated With Thoracoscopic Spinal Instrumentation

“…Additional advantages include more rapid recovery, improved cosmesis, smaller scar, less impact on pulmonary function and shoulder function when compared to thoracotomy, and less blood loss than with the posterior approach. 3,8 The disadvantages of the procedure include the expense of the new equipment required for the endoscopic procedure. As noted by Newton et al, 9 the increase in cost associated with thoracoscopic surgery is largely a result of the cost of thoracoscopic instrumentation.…”