An anatomy study of laparoscopic lower lumbar spine surgery

Objective To observe the anatomic characteristics of blood vessels situated at the lower lumbar spine and provide anatomic data for laparoscopic lumbar surgery.Methods 15 formaldehyde-preserved cadavers were studied with special attention to the blood vessels of lower lumbar,and the anatomic data were recorded and calculated.Results The bifurcation level of the ventral aorta was quite variable,the confluence level of the common iliac vein was consistent,and they were mainly situated at L4-5;the origin of the middle sacral artery was at the back of the bifurcation level,companied with the middle sacral vein often;the operation window of L5S1 disc was in the area of∧,it was composed of right common iliac artery and left common iliac vein;the 3rd lumbar artery and vein were more costant,which followed the center of the corresponding lumbar vertebral,the 4th lumbar artery and vein varied greatly,vessels of L4 of all samples coursed on the surface of L4-5 interspace(33%);ascending lumbar veins ascend from the root of lumbar vertebral,and iliolumbar vein was composed of common iliac vein and lumbar vein;there were two nonangioneuro-areas in the both lateral region of lumbar vertebral from L3S1,and the left area was larger than the right area.Conclusion The technique of laparoscopic lower lumbar spine surgery is reliable,there are enough area for laparoscopic lower lumbar spine surgery through different routes.