A Rare Ureteral Injury Following Posterior Approach Lumbar Discectomy

Iatrogenic ureteral injuries account for ∼75% of all ureteral injuries and occur primarily during urologic, gynecologic, general, and vascular surgery procedures. Ureteral injury during spine surgery is a rare complication with only occasional reports in the literature. In this case report, we present a case of unrecognized left ureteral injury during an open right lumbar discectomy with a delayed presentation, and discuss the steps required for diagnosis and management. This report highlights a rare complication during laminectomy and serves to better inform patients and surgeons about this potential complication and the management options.