Late Vascular Complications of Lumbar Disc Surgery — Case Reports

Abstract

Many reports have been published describing different vascular lesions after lumbar disc surgery but the actual incidence is probably higher than has been published. Lesions of vascular structures (aorta, iliac arteries, and veins) close to the spine can arise as a consequence of the removal of disc fragments. In emergency cases, general surgeons are usually called upon to deal with these in the absence of more qualified vascular surgeons. But for an elective case, an experienced vascular surgeon's knowledge of the pathogenesis and ap propriate management of these lesions is mandatory for the proper care of the patients. Herein, 3 additional cases of late vascular complications of lumbar disc surgery, their diagnostic features, and correct treatments are presented.