[Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion(XLIF & OLIF):Indications, X-ray Fluoroscopy-guided and 3D-CT Spinal Navigation Techniques, and Safe Surgical Practices to Prevent Complications].

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion(LLIF), including extreme lateral interbody fusion(XLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF), constitute a treatment option for many lumbar disorders that predominantly cause degenerative disc disease. LLIF is beneficial for managing conditions, such as lumbar spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and adult spinal deformities. LLIF is preferred for enabling indirect decompression of the spinal canal and nerve root foramen, without inducing immediate postoperative damage to the peri-vertebral tissues. To minimize the risk of lumbosacral plexopathy, neuromonitoring and X-ray fluoroscopy are routinely used, and can confer significant radiation exposure on surgeons and surgical staff. Intraoperative imaging-guided spinal navigation during LLIF increases accuracy and reduces radiation exposure. Nonetheless, the risk of serious LLIF-associated complications, such as lumbosacral plexopathy, vascular problems, ureteral damage, and intestinal damage, warrant a precise preoperative plan. To improve the operative safety of LLIF, this report elucidates the procedural details of XLIF and OLIF and highlights the potential pitfalls of LLIF.