• Chun-Po Yen and Juan S Uribe.
• *Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL †Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
• Spine. 2016 Apr 1; 41 Suppl 8: S152-8.

Study DesignAn expert opinion.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to provide an overview of the surgical technique with an emphasis on complication avoidance techniques and to present a procedural checklist for the retroperitoneal transpsoas minimally invasive lateral approach.Summary Of Background DataAlthough the minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion has gained popularity in the past decade, complication rate variability remains in the literature, driven by inconsistent adherence to technique, neuromonitoring, and complication avoidance techniques.MethodsThe surgical and complication avoidance techniques for extreme lateral interbody fusion are presented in a stepwise fashion from the practice of an experienced lateral approach surgeon.ResultsThe technical description and procedural checklist cover preoperative assessment, operating room setup, patient positioning, surgical procedure, and postoperative evaluation.ConclusionA systematic approach through preoperative assessment, attention to surgical technique and intraoperative neuromonitoring, and a detailed postoperative evaluation are key to achieving the goal of lateral interbody fusion with minimization of procedural morbidity.Level Of Evidence5.

19 keywords...

hide…