Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion
Published on: February 14, 2025
Is laparoscopic approach to lumbar spine fusion worthwhile?
N Katkhouda1, G M Campos, E Mavor
1Department of Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Background:
Laparoscopic lumbar spine fusion has been recently described. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure for single- and multiple-level degenerative disc disease.
Methods:
Twenty-four consecutive laparoscopic interbody lumbar fusions were evaluated prospectively (18 single-level were compared with 6 multiple-level procedures). Results of the laparoscopic multiple-level procedures were further compared with 12 open multiple-level operations.
Results:
Twenty procedures were completed laparoscopically. The conversions were related to iliac vein lacerations (3 cases) and a mesenteric tear. Single-level cases had lower morbidity (22% versus 83%), shorter hospital stay (2 versus 10 days), and higher fusion rate (88% versus 50%) than multiple-level procedures. Overall results in the latter group were worse than in the matched open group.
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic single-level fusion (L5-S1) is safe and carries the benefits of minimal access surgery. Morbidity after multiple level approach is high, and this procedure cannot be advocated at this time.
