Minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine: pitfalls and complication avoidance.
The lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine has become an increasingly popular method to achieve fusion. Although this approach requires less tissue dissection, a smaller incision, decreased operative time, reduced blood loss and postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay, it carries the potential for serious neurologic and visceral complications. This article reviews these complications in detail and proposes mechanisms for their avoidance.
Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Clair, #2210, Chicago, IL 60610, USA. Electronic address: Randall.b.graham@gmail.com.
Randall B
RB
Graham
Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Clair, #2210, Chicago, IL 60610, USA.
Albert P
AP
Wong
Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo Street, Suite 3800, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
John C
JC
Liu
D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Direct lateral interbody fusion; Extreme lateral interbody fusion; Lateral transpsoas approach; Lumbar spine; Lumbosacral plexus; Surgical complications; Surgical technique