Major vascular injury during lumbar micodiscectomy

Major vascular injury during lumbar discectomy is a rare complication of one of the commonest surgical procedures performed in the Neurosurgical unit. Its occurrence may be associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly if it is not diagnosed at an early stage. We illustrate, in our case, the early manifestations of the injury and the associated hypovolemic shock. In addition, we describe the management approach and the mechanism of this injury. Other types of injuries will be referred to during the discussion of this case