Arteriovenous fistulas following lumbar laminectomy: the anatomy defined

Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistulas between the aorta or its major branches and the vena cava or its tributaries resulting from lumbar disc operations are uncommon but serious problems for the vascular surgeon. Using three cases from our experience and adding illustrations, x-ray films, and descriptive text we have precisely defined the anatomy of the major vessels at the L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 disc interspaces. This information will not only aid the surgeon in the repair of the chronic fistula but will help the surgeon who is called urgently to the operating room for bleeding and shock when preoperative angiography is not possible.