Anterior Cervical Epidural Abscess Treated by Endoscopy-Assisted Minimally Invasive Microsurgery via Posterior Approach

Abstract

This is a report of clinical manifestation, physical findings, neurophysiological data, magnetic resonance imaging, and results after surgery in a 71-years-old man with cervical abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging after two weeks of empiric antibiotic therapy demonstrated the persistence of an anterior cervical epidural collection and signs of spondylodiscitis at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels. Surgery was performed by posterior endoscopy assisted key-hole approach at the C2-C3 level to drain the abscess and to decompress the spinal cord. Postoperative specific medical treatment was then administered. A successful outcome, at 24 months follow-up, was achieved by surgery with complete clinical recovery, resolution of the abscess and healing of the spondylodiscitis. After unsuccessful blind medical therapy the minimally invasive microsurgical technique allowed us to keep the surgical injury of the healthy tissue to a minimum while producing the maximum therapeutic effect.

Key words

Cervical abscess - Minimally invasive surgery - Endoscopy