Case reports: splenic rupture after anterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion through a thoracoabdominal approach

The anterior approach in spinal deformity surgery has increased in popularity in recent years. The thoracoabdominal approach to the thoracolumbar spine is associated with numerous possible complications, including injury to vital intraabdominal structures in close proximity to the area of exposure, such as the spleen. We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who underwent an emergent exploratory laparotomy for progressive abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability that revealed splenic rupture two days after single-stage anterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis. Because the suspected etiology of the splenic hemorrhage was related to retraction, surgeons using the anterior approach should consider intermittent release of retractors and inspection of intraabdominal structures. Splenic rupture should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for patients with hemodynamic instability after anterior approaches to the thoracolumbar spine.