Acute Pancreatitis after Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Case Report

Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that typically occurs after various abdominal procedures, but it is extremely uncommon following spinal surgery. This case study describes a 38-year-old male martial arts champion who developed acute pancreatitis after undergoing lumbar laminectomy and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery for chronic lower back pain and bilateral radiculopathy in both legs. Despite the absence of typical risk factors, such as alcohol consumption or a history of pancreatitis, the patient developed abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting on the second postoperative day, along with elevated serum amylase levels. These clinical findings raised suspicion for acute pancreatitis, which was subsequently confirmed through diagnostic imaging. Prompt treatment led to the resolution of symptoms and normalization of pancreatic enzyme levels. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing uncommon complications following spinal surgery, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal patient care.