Ureteral injury during laparoscopy-assisted anterior lumbar fusion

Study Design. 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. Summary of Background Data. 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. Method and Results. A case report is presented detailing ureteral injury as a complication bf laparoscopy-assisted lumbar fusion and the subsequent treatment of the injury. Conclusion. 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.