Clinical Outcomes of Full Endoscopic Thoracic Discectomy in Acute Disc Herniation: A Case Report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Objectives: Thoracic disc herniations are rare relative to lumber and cervical spine herniations and account for 0.25% to 0.75% of cases in the general population. This case report presents a rare case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with thoracic disc herniation and managed through full endoscopic thoracic discectomy. Clinical Presentation: A 65-year-old wheelchair-bound male presented to OPD with complaints of paresthesia and sensory symptoms along with motor weakness from the past 2 weeks. No Symptoms of bowel and bladder dysfunction were present. Diagnosis/Intervention: Sagittal and axial MRI findings revealed disc herniation at the T11 – T12 level. Full endoscopic thoracic discectomy through a transforaminal approach was performed to decompress the spinal cord. Conclusion: Acute thoracic disc herniations although rare, can present with variable clinical manifestations. Full endoscopic thoracic discectomy through a transforaminal approach is a safe and effective surgical procedure associated with improved patient outcomes, increased satisfaction scores, and decreased chances of complications. Keywords: Acute thoracic disc herniation, endoscopic discectomy, full endoscopic thoracic discectomy.