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Small bowel perforation--an unusual complication of microdiscectomy: a case report

A J Shakir1, H M Paterson

  • 1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2DH. jabir602001@yahoo.co.uk

Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|April 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A rare complication of lumbar microdiscectomy is small bowel perforation. This case highlights the importance of considering bowel injury in patients experiencing post-operative abdominal symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Microdiscectomy is a common surgical procedure for lumbar disc herniation.
  • Sciatalgia, or sciatica, is a frequent symptom of prolapsed intravertebral discs.

Observation:

  • A 45-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and tenderness post-microdiscectomy.
  • Computed tomography revealed small bowel perforation, specifically a proximal ileum injury.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent laparotomy for repair of an iatrogenic small bowel injury.
  • Small bowel perforation is an uncommon but serious complication following microdiscectomy.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for gastrointestinal complications in patients with post-operative abdominal symptoms after lumbar spine surgery.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing iatrogenic bowel injuries.

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