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Diagnosis and treatment of left ureteral injury as a rare complication of oblique lumbar interbody fusion surgery: a case report and literature review

Wei-Heng Wang, B. Xiao, Xiao-Dong Huang, Jiang-Ming Yu, Yan-Hai Xi, Guo-Hua Xu, Xiaojian Ye

BMC Urology, 2022

7 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery has been performed as a minimally invasive lateral lumbar fusion technique in recent years. Reports of operative complications of OLIF are limited, and there are fewer reports of ureteral injuries.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old Chinese woman diagnosed with "lumbar spondylolisthesis (L4 forward slip, I degree)" underwent OLIF treatment. The surgical decompression process was smooth, and the cage was successfully placed. After the expansion sleeve of OLIF was removed, clear liquid continuous outflow from the peritoneum was found. The patient was diagnosed with a ureteral injury. The urological surgeon expanded the original incision, and left ureteral injury anastomosis and ureteral stent implantation were performed. The patient was changed to the prone position and a percutaneous pedicle screw was placed in the corresponding vertebral body. The patient was indwelled with a catheter for 2 weeks, and regular oral administration of levofloxacin to prevent urinary tract infection. After 2 months, the double J tube was removed using a cystoscope. One year after surgery, the symptoms of lumbar back were significantly improved, and there were no urinary system symptoms. However, the patient needed an annual left ureter and kidney B-ultrasound.

CONCLUSION: Ureteral injury is a rare complication and is easily missed in OLIF surgery. If the diagnosis is missed, the consequences can be serious. Patients should undergo…

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