[Retroperitoneal complications after lumbar disk prolapse surgery]

Injury to retroperitoneal vascular structures secondary to lumbar disc surgery is a rare but serious complication. In some cases early recognition and surgical intervention is of vital importance. Vascular injuries may be classified in in the following manner. 1. Laceration of one artery or a vein only. 2. Laceration of a artery and a vein leading to formation of arteriovenous fistula. 3. False aneurysm. Based on a review of the literature and three case reports, the anatomy is reviewed. The diagnosis, clinical pictures and the vascular reconstruction are discussed.