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  • Treating Chronic Back PainMinimally Invasive Spine Surgery

    Minimally invasive spine surgery is the latest advanced technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one inch long, incisions. It involves the use of special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques to visualize and perform the surgery through such small incisions. Read More

  • Relieve Nerve & Spinal Cord CompressionAnterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

    Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operative procedure to relieve compression or pressure on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck. Read More

  • Focus on life againLumbar Decompression

    Lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure over the compressed nerves in the lower spine (lumbar region). It is usually indicated in patients with herniated lumbar disc, spinal stenosis, spinal injury or spinal tumours, who have not found adequate pain relief with conservative treatment. Read More

Home // Spinal Treatments // Possible Complications of Spinal Surgery

Possible Complications of Spinal Surgery

Possible complications may occur before surgery, during surgery and after surgery.

Before Surgery

The most serious complication of a herniated disc that may occur before surgery is the development of the cauda equine syndrome. It occurs when a large particle of disc material is ruptured into the spinal canal. It occurs in the area where the nerves that control the bowels and bladder travel before they leave the spine. This causes pressure on these nerves resulting in permanent damage. Bowel and bladder controlling ability is lost. If this problem occurs, surgery could be recommended immediately to try to remove the pressure on the nerves.

During Surgery

Complications during surgery occur due to anaesthesia given during any type of surgery. Possible complications that can occur during removal of a herniated disc may include injury to the nerves and a dual tear. There is a risk of injuring the spinal cord leading to nerve damage that causes paralysis. Tear in the dura mater covering the spinal cord may occur.

After Surgery

Sometimes complications may take some months to become evident after surgery and may include:

  • Infection

Any surgical procedure has a risk of developing infection. Infection may occur in the skin incision, inside the disc or in the spinal canal around the nerves. If infection involves the skin incision, antibiotics may be needed, and if infection involves the spinal canal, a secondary operation may be required to drain the infection. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection after the second operation.

  • Re-herniation

In 10 to 15 % cases re-herniation occurs during first six weeks after surgery. It can occur at any time and may require a second operation.

  • Persistent Pain

Occasionally, surgical procedure does not completely eliminate the pain. Pain may persist due to several reasons. Disc herniation may put pressure against the spinal nerves causing nerve damage thus resulting in pain along the nerve. Scar tissue may form around the nerves a few weeks after the operation, causing pain similar to the pain before the operation.

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

Degeneration of the spinal segment can result from injury to the disc. A disc that has undergone operation has definitely been injured. Additional problems may develop in the area where a disc has been removed. If pain from the degenerative process becomes severe, a second operation may be required. Several years may be needed to develop degenerative disc disease.

Memberships

  • General Medical Council
  • Royal College of Surgeons
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  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • British Association of Spinal Surgeons
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  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Euro Spine
  • North American Spine Society
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