The material was sent for histopathology, culture, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Hemostasis was carefully monitored and chest tube drain of appropriate size was inserted through one of the port sites those in 7th or 8th intercostal space in midaxillary line and was connected to an underwater seal. The small wounds were closed. Figure 1 shows the various steps of VATS viz. placements of portal, fan retractor, chest tube drainage, opening abscess cavity and graft. Figure 1 Peroperative and postoperative photographs of the VATS. (a) Portal placements and intraoperative and postoperative chest tube drainage. (b) Peroperative photographs showing opening of the lesion and debridement. Tricortical graft was put after debridement. … Patients were kept under close observation for 24 hours.

A plain radiograph of the chest was obtained for adequate lung inflation. Chest tube was removed once collection in the chest tube bag was <50mL in 24 hours. Postoperative X-rays were taken to assess the improvement. Stitches were removed after two weeks. Patient was advised bed rest for a minimal of 6 weeks. Mobilization was started after 6 weeks using a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO)/modified Taylor's brace with axillary support depending upon the clinical status of patient. ATT was given for 12 months. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks for 1 month, monthly for the next 6 months, and thereafter once in every 3 months. At each followup patient was examined clinicoradiologically and laboratory investigations (complete blood haemogram, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum bilirubin, serum protein, and albumin/globulin ratio) were done.

At the time of final followup MRI and computed tomography (CT scan) of the dorsal spine were also performed. The surgical outcome was assessed in terms of preoperative and postoperative neurologic status as per Frankel’s grading, operative time, blood loss, average hospital stay, deformity correction and maintenance, fusion status, back pain using visual analogue scale, and complications. Fusion was assessed using both plain radiographs and CT scan and using Eck et al. criteria for fusion assessment [14]. Final functional outcome was assessed by modified Kirkaldy-Willis criteria [18]. 3. Results Patients were suffering from the symptomatology of the TB with a mean duration of 8.44��3 months (range: 5�C12 months). All the patients (n = 09) received antituberculous treatment (ATT) for a Batimastat period of 3-4 weeks minimum before surgery and then postoperatively. The total duration of ATT was 12 months. The indication for surgery using VATS was failure to respond to chemotherapy (n = 01), neurological deficit not responding to chemotherapy (n = 07), and doubtful diagnosis (n = 01).