Risk factors for vascular injuries in anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a single-institution retrospective study.

Objective: Vascular injuries in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) occur due to the vascular manipulation needed to achieve optimal disc space exposure. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate intraoperative vascular injuries in patients undergoing single- and multilevel ALIF at a large tertiary academic center.

Methods: Prospectively collected data specifically addressing postoperative complications in patients who underwent ALIF by neurosurgery spine faculty working with a specialized vascular surgeon were retrospectively reviewed.

Intraoperative embolectomy of a left illiac artery thrombus during an anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Background: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) offers direct midline access to the lumbar intervertebral discs utilizing an anterior retroperitoneal approach. Here, a 33-year-old female undergoing ALIF developed an acute intraoperative left iliac artery thrombus and underwent immediate successful embolectomy.

Case Description: A 33-year-old female was undergoing routine L5-S1 ALIF when an acute intraoperative left iliac vein injury occurred, requiring immediate repair by a vascular surgeon.