Is laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion a useful minimally invasive procedure?

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion (LALIF) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. Its use as a standard surgical technique has been recommended for arthrodesis in the lumbosacral region. We reviewed our experience with LALIF for safety, effectiveness, and usefulness.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent LALIF was performed. All patients had a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease with medically retractable mechanical back pain.

RESULTS

No intraoperative vascular or neurological injury was encountered. An average operating time of 300 minutes with blood loss of 60 ml was found. The average hospital stay was 3.4 days. At 3 to 6 months after surgery, 80% fusion rates were achieved.

CONCLUSION

Although LALIF is a safe and effective procedure, it has many disadvantages, which make it a less than optimal procedure for routine use. Other minimally invasive approaches to the anterior lumbar spine result in similar beneficial results without the drawbacks associated with LALIF.