Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society

The Korean Neurosurgical Society (대한신경외과학회)
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Small Bowel Injury as a Complication of Lumbar Microdiscectomy : Case Report and Literature Review

  • Kim, Duk-Sung (Departments of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School) ;
  • Lee, Jung-Kil (Departments of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School) ;
  • Moon, Kyung-Sub (Departments of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School) ;
  • Ju, Jae-Kyun (Departments of Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School) ;
  • Kim, Soo-Han (Departments of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School)
  • Received : 2009.04.25
  • Accepted : 2010.01.06
  • Published : 2010.03.28
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Abstract

Small bowel injury resulting from unforeseen penetration of the anterior annulus fibrosus and longitudinal ligament is a rare complication of lumbar microdiscectomy. The patient complained of abdominal tenderness and distention immediately after microdiscectomy for L4-5 and L5-S1 disc herniation. Using abdominal computed tomography, we found several foci of air overlying the anterior aspect of the vertebral body at the L5-S1 level. Segmental resection of the small bowel including small tears and primary anastomosis of the jejunum were performed. Here, we present a case of intestinal perforation after lumbar microdiscectomy and discuss technical methods to prevent this complication with a review of literature.

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References

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