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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury
Published on: May 25, 2017
Iliac artery injury during lumbar microdiscectomy
Zbigniew Karwacki1, Małgorzata Witkowska, Magdalena Łasińska-Kowara
1Department of Neuroanaesthesiology, Medical University of Gdańsk. zkarw@gumed.edu.pl
Background:
Accidental laceration of major abdominal vessels during lumbar disc surgery is a relatively rare complication that requires rapid diagnosis and management.
Case Report:
A 25-yr-old woman, operated on for an L4-L5 disc hernia, developed cardiovascular collapse after disc removal. This was treated with volume replacement and ephedrine, and a postoperative CT scan revealed a large retroperitoneal haematoma. During an immediate laparotomy, a 10 cm laceration of the left iliac artery was repaired and massive blood loss replaced (to lowest haemoglobin concentration during the surgery was 2.1 mmol L(-1)).The patient made a full recovery.
Conclusion:
In any case of unexpected hypotension during lumbar disc herniation surgery, accidental vascular damage should be suspected and a CT scan performed immediately.
