The periumbilical incision for anterior lumbar interbody fusions.

The traditional retroperitoneal approach for the anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) uses a longitudinal paramedian incision. In this study, we use a discrete periumbilical incision. A 270-degree semicircular incision is made around the umbilicus and the subcutaneous tissue is dissected radially at a 45-degree angle, creating a mound around the umbilical stalk.