Published in:
01-05-2016 | Case Report
Direct lesion and repair of a common iliac vein during XLIF approach
Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 1/2016
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Purpose
Description of a case of direct intraoperative lesion and repair of a major vascular injury of common iliac vein during an extreme lateral interbody fusion L4–L5 procedure.
Methods
A 69-year-old female who was operated for L4–L5 spondilolysthesis suffered a major vascular injury of a vein. The high cava bifurcation and inadequate pre-operative analysis of the radiological documentation resulted in the lesion. The lesion was successfully repaired and the patient did not suffer post-operative sequelae.
Results
The repair was successful although the index spine procedure was not ended. Detailed pre-operative planning, based on radiological examination of vascular structures, should be a mandatory step prior to this specific surgical approach.
Conclusion
Although safer than anterior retroperitoneal approach, extreme lateral interbody fusion still bears risk for major vascular injury.