Is Laparoscopic Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion a Useful Minimally Invasive Procedure?

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion (LALIF) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. Its use as a standard surgical technique has been recommended for arthrodesis in the lumbosacral region. We reviewed our experience with LALIF for safety, effectiveness, and usefulness.METHODS: Retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent LALIF was performed. All patients had a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease with medically retractable mechanical back pain.RESULTS: No intraoperative vascular or neurological injury was encountered. An average operating time of 300 minutes with blood loss of 60 ml was found. The average hospital stay was 3.4 days. At 3 to 6 months after surgery, 80% fusion rates were achieved.CONCLUSION: Although LALIF is a safe and effective procedure, it has many disadvantages, which make it a less than optimal procedure for routine use. Other minimally invasive approaches to the anterior lumbar spine result in similar beneficial results without the drawbacks associated with LALIF.