TY - JOUR T1 - Five-Year Outcomes After Transforaminal Endoscopic Foraminotomy and Discectomy for Soft and Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniations JF - International Journal of Spine Surgery JO - Int J Spine Surg SP - 494 LP - 503 DO - 10.14444/8071 VL - 15 IS - 3 AU - Karlo Houra AU - Robert Saftic AU - Martin Knight Y1 - 2021/06/01 UR - http://ijssurgery.com//content/15/3/494.abstract N2 - Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and long-term clinical outcomes of transforaminal full endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy performed with manual reamers under local anesthesia on soft and calcified herniated discs in the mid and lower thoracic spine.Methods: Postoperative pain relief was self-evaluated by 16 patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patients were scored at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery.Results: Significant pain reduction of more than 50% in the VAS score was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients at all review points throughout this study. Similarly, a decrease of more than 50% in ODI scores was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients in all 4 review points. There were no surgical complications. Good postoperative results were achieved in patients regardless of the consistency of the disc herniation.Conclusions: Transforaminal full endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy with manual reamers performed under local anesthesia produces sustained reduction in pain and improves functionality in patients with mid and lower thoracic spine soft and calcified disc herniations. The surgery is safe and straightforward to perform with the correct training.Level of Evidence: 4.Clinical Relevance: Thoracic transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy, performed in TIVA, may be a useful adjunct for treatment of patients with soft and calcified disc herniations in thoracic spine. ER -