Ureteral injury during laparoscopy-assisted anterior lumbar fusion.
METHODS
A case report of ureteral injury as a complication incurred during a laparoscopy-assisted lumbar fusion.


OBJECTIVE
To alert orthopedic surgeons to this injury, which may occur during such surgery.


BACKGROUND
Laparoscopy-assisted lumbar fusion is a minimally invasive surgical technique to accomplish lumbar fusion with excellent patient satisfaction, reduced hospital stay, and decreased rehabilitative time.


RESULTS
A case report is presented detailing ureteral injury as a complication of laparoscopy-assisted lumbar fusion and the subsequent treatment of the injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy-assisted lumbar fusion is a new, less invasive technique with excellent patient satisfaction; however, ureteral injury may occur, and the surgeon should keep this in mind if a postoperative fluid collection occurs in the pelvis.
Guingrich
J A
JA
Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792-3252, USA.
McDermott
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D017586:Diskectomy; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014513:Ureter / Q000293:injuries*