The retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine constitutes a well-established surgical strategy. It is used in many purposes such as corpectomy and anterior lumbar interbody fusion.Corpectomy is used in cases of fractures, infections and tumors.
Despite the overall good outcome, various complications may occur on rare occasionsrange from wound infection, painful scar to peudo-hernia, peritonitis, pancreatitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, cage displacement, nerve root injury and cauda equine after decompression of spinal cord. The majority of these complications are transient and self-limited, rarely, they may require a second surgical intervention, and if they remain undetected may lead to death.
Meticulous knowledge of all potential procedure-associated and postoperativecomplications is of paramount importance for their early prevention, recognition, and their proper management.
Aim:
The study aims at evaluation of incidence of early postoperative complications after lumbar retroperitoneal corpectomy surgeries.
Patients and Methods:
A retrospective study upon all patients who underwent lumbar retroperitoneal corpectomy surgery between June 2011 and June 2021 for management of various lumbar spine pathologies done at El Hadra University hospital, Alexandria University.41 patients undergone this approach and only five patients had complications. Preoperatively, all patients underwent complete clinical and radiological examinations. Patients were assessed postoperatively for any neurological deficit (motor, sensory and sphincters) and any possible early postoperative associated complications.Post-operative X-rays were done to asses position of the vertebral body replacement and CT was done if indicated.