Guide wire breakage during posterolateral endoscopic lumbar discectomy procedure: A case report

Area of Science:

• Spine Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Posterolateral endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a common minimally invasive spinal surgery.
• Potential complications include neural/vascular injury and surgical failure.
• Intraoperative guide wire breakage during PELD is a previously unreported hazard.

Observation:

• A guide wire fractured during a PELD procedure for L4-L5 disc herniation.
• The broken guide wire segment was located within the disc fragment.
• Successful retrieval was achieved using endoscopic grasping forceps.

Findings:

• Guide wire breakage during PELD is a rare but serious intraoperative complication.
• Endoscopic retrieval of a broken guide wire is feasible with surgical expertise.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and symptom resolution post-retrieval.

Implications:

• Careful technique is crucial to prevent guide wire breakage during PELD.
• Experienced surgeons can manage guide wire remnant retrieval endoscopically.
• Beginners may consider conversion to open surgery to avoid further complications.