Research progress of ureteral injury in oblique lumbar interbody fusion

Objective To summarize the research progress of ureteral injury in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Methods The literature about incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of ureteral injury complications in OLIF was reviewed. Results OLIF surgery poses a risk of ureteral injury because its surgical approach is anatomically adjacent to the left ureter. Ureteral injuries in OLIF are often insidious and have no specific clinical manifestations. CT urography is a common diagnostic method. The treatment of ureteral injury depends on a variety of factors such as the time of diagnosis, the location and degree of injury, and the treatment methods range from endoscopic treatment to replacement reconstruction. Conclusion Surgeons should pay attention not to damage the ureter and find the abnormality in time during OLIF. High vigilance of abnormalities is conducive to the early diagnosis of ureteral injury. Furthermore, it is important to be familiar with ureter anatomy and gentle operation to prevent ureteral injury.