Anterior Thoracic Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Spinal Infections and Neoplasms

The University of Pittsburgh experience with anterior approaches to spinal problems is summarized.  Approaches included cervical/sternotomy in 8 pts, thoracotomy in 79, and thoracoabominal in 43 for infection (50), primary neoplasms (22), and metastases (58).  30 and 90 day mortality were 9% and 21%, and the major complication rate was 28%.  The procedures appeared to be effective in relieving symptoms.