Hydronephrosis After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Hydronephrosis After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Anterior lumbar spinal surgery involves making an incision through the abdomen of the patient
 in order to access the spine. During this process, several internal structures are pushed
 aside in order to gain access. One of these structures is the ureter, whose function is to
 drain urine from the kidney to the bladder. One potential complication that can arise from
 this is dilation of the kidney - known as hydronephrosis. The aim of this study is to
 identify whether hydronephrosis after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is
 complication, in order to bring this to the attention of health care professionals when
 considering this kind of surgery.
A total of 40 patients who have had ALIF surgery will be invited to have an ultrasound scan
 of their kidney on the side where the operation was performed (where the scar is). Should
 hydronephrosis of this kidney be detected, the investigators will go on to scan the second
 kidney. Should hydronephrosis be detected the patient will be given a letter to take to their
 General Practitioner (GP) advising them to be referred to a Urologist.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Over 18 years of age

 -  Has the mental capacity to provide informed consent for participation within the study

 -  Patients who have had anterior lumbar spinal surgery at least 12 months ago and no
 longer than 5 years ago

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Unable to understand written or verbal information regarding the study

 -  Multiple abdominal surgeries prior to spinal surgery

 -  Previous renal complication such as renal strictures or hydronephrosis/use of stents

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Structural anomalies