[Ventral perforations in lumbar intervertebral disk operations--a catamnestic study].

Iatrogenic injuries of prevertebral structures during lumbar disc surgery area a rare albeit important complication, since they may be life-threatening. A short survey is given concerning the frequency and kind of prevertebral injuries as they are presented in the literature. Own experiences and a case of an AV-fistula following disc surgery are described. Finally, legal aspects of German law concerning the physician's duty to inform the patient of operative risks are discussed.