Analysis of the Frequency of Intraoperative Complications in Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the frequency of intraoperative complication rates related to access surgery, operating time, and intraoperative bleeding rates described in the literature for patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) to evaluate the adverse effects and, thus, help in therapeutic decision making and contribute to future clinical trials. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of MEDLINE and Embase databases in March 2023. The main inclusion criteria were adult patients aged >18 years, with no maximum age limit; the use of ALIF; the presence of quantitative data on intraoperative complications; and randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Vascular and peritoneal injuries were considered primary endpoints. The operative time and intraoperative bleeding rate were secondary endpoints. Reports and case series, case-control series, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. RESULTS: Eight studies were included with a total of 2395 patients. We found important quantitative data for future randomized clinical studies involving ALIF surgery, including the rate of vascular lesions (2.79%) and peritoneal lesions (0.37%). In addition to these factors, only 4 of the 8 studies addressed the average surgery time, with a total average of 145.61 minutes. Furthermore, 6 of the 8 articles reported the mean rate of intraoperative bleeding, with a total mean blood loss of 272.75 mL. CONCLUSIONS: ALIF is a lumbar spine access technique with low intraoperative complications. Patients with contraindications have a higher risk of complications. Randomized clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

Technique for Exposing Lumbar Discs in Anterior Approach Using Steinmann Wires: Arthroplasties or Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Due to increasing longevity, the incidence of degenerative lumbar disc diseases has increased, and surgical treatment is often necessary. In this context, the anterior approach becomes an important technique. However, one of the main limitations of this method is the need for dedicated retractors, which requires larger incisions for its positioning and increases the cost of the procedure. The objective of the present study was to describe a technique for retracting abdominal structures by anterior approaches to the lumbar spine using Steinmann wires. METHODS: This manuscript consists of a technique description of anterior approach for lumbar spine. RESULTS: Surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease is often necessary when the patients have symptoms refractory to conservative treatments. Many of them will be candidates for surgical treatment with anterior approach, either for arthrodesis/anterior lumbar interbody fusion or arthroplasty. Small incisions are performed for positioning the modified Langenbeck retractors and the Steinmann wires. These retractors are easily positioned and provide good exposure of the lumbar discs making it possible to implant appropriate cages for restoring the necessary height, lordosis, and sagittal balance. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described is safe, inexpensive, and reproducible. Simple and easily accessible instruments are required in most hospital complexes.