Vascular complications of lumbar disc surgery. Case report.

Four patients were successfully treated for vascular complications associated with lumbar disc surgery, one as an emergency case and three from 1 to 3 months postoperatively. Acute complications are often identified by severe bleeding. Knowledge of the anatomy is essential for appropriate surgical repair, which may consist of patch-graft angioplasty or graft interposition. Treatment of late complications (usually arteriovenous fistula or false aneurysm) is often impeded by adhesions. Fistula repair is performed from inside the artery. Precautions against vascular complications during lumbar disc surgery are discussed.