Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula during lumbar microdiscectomy.

Abstract

Vascular lacerations, arteriovenous fistulae, and pseudoaneurysms are rare, but potentially life threatening, complications of lumbar disk surgery. These iatrogenic vascular injuries may present with significant hypotension during the perioperative period. Early diagnosis and surgical repair may decrease morbidity and mortality. We discuss perioperative implications of postdiscectomy vascular injuries in this report.