Lumbar Deformity MIS Lateral (Visceral) Surgery Complication

Abstract

As the minimally invasive lateral lumbar approach is becoming increasingly popularized in the treatment of adult spinal deformity, the potential complications associated with the approach must be fully scrutinized, as do the treatment strategies when such occur. One critical complication, bowel injury, although extremely rare, can be potentially catastrophic if not recognized expeditiously and emergently treated. Despite its known occurrence, it is minimally discussed in the literature, particularly as it relates to management strategies. Patients with bowel injury can mimic far less serious pathologies, e.g. ileus, so it is crucial to recognize the early signs of this potential complication. A case example is described in a patient that suffered an unrecognized bowel perforation following lateral MIS interbody fusion in a planned staged correction for rotary adult degenerative scoliosis.