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Vascular Injury During Lumbar Disc Surgery: Case Report
Anne-Sophie Mehdorn1, Matthias Mehdorn2, H Maximilian Mehdorn3
1Department of General, Abdominal, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|August 7, 2023
Summary
Lumbar disc surgery can cause serious retroperitoneal injuries, including vascular damage. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial to prevent severe complications like hemorrhage and limb loss.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Retroperitoneal organ injuries, including vascular and solid organ damage, can occur during lumbar disc surgery.
- These injuries necessitate adequate management to prevent poor or fatal outcomes.
Observation:
- A case involving a severely obese female patient who sustained an aortic bite injury during L3/4 disc surgery.
- This injury resulted in delayed intra-abdominal hemorrhage, requiring emergency abdominal surgery.
- The patient subsequently experienced a major thromboembolic complication leading to limb amputation.
Findings:
- Intraoperative diagnostic challenges and pitfalls in postoperative care associated with retroperitoneal injuries during lumbar surgery.
- The critical need for neurosurgical and abdominal/vascular surgical cooperation in managing vascular injuries.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for severe complications from seemingly simple lumbar disc procedures.
- Emphasizes the importance of vigilance, accurate diagnosis, and collaborative surgical management.
- Underscores the medicolegal considerations in cases of surgical injury and subsequent complications.
