Upper abdominal aortic injury during spinal surgery

We describe a rare case of iatrogenic injury to the upper abdominal aorta during spine surgery. The case is reviewed, and diagnosis as well as management of this injury is discussed. No similar previous reports of iatrogenic injury to the upper abdominal/lower thoracic aorta were identified in the literature. Reports of iatrogenic injury to the lower abdominal aorta during spinal surgery have been frequent. With more aggressive operative treatment of spinal disorders, injury to the upper abdominal/lower thoracic aorta may become more common. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent both early and delayed complications and death.