SEVERE HEMORRHAGE FOLLOWING TRAUMA TO ILIAC VESSELS DURING LUMBAR-DISK SURGERY

Lumbar disc surgery may be complicated by retroperitoneal vascular injuries. Laceration of the iliac arteries and veins and of the aortic and caval bifurcations are the commonest because of the anatomical relationship with the L4-L5 disc space. The symptoms are those of peritoneal haemorrhage. One patient is reported and the literature reviewed. Only prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the mortality.