Open Versus Endoscopic Approach for Thoracic Disk Herniations: Equivalent Short-Term Outcomes With Significantly Different Costs.

Endoscopic thoracic diskectomy was associated with decreased length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and total cost compared with the open approach, with similar neurological outcomes. These findings may help patients and surgeons seek endoscopic approach as a less morbid and less costly alternative.