A member asked:

What are the likely complications of lumbar spinal surgery?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Scarring: Back surgery is not to be approached lightly, as results are not always favourable. Some pts have post-operative scarring which increases pain, numbness, and weakness. Bladder and bowel complications can occur, and recovery may be challenging. With experienced back surgeons, and careful pt selection, outcomes are improving these days.

Answered 8/10/2012

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Several depending : Depends on the type of surgery- laminectomy, diskectomy or fusion ( with or without instrumentation) or a combination of these, whether it is a second surgery and from what approach is used as well as dependent on your underlying physical condition ( age, weight, diabetic, smoker, bone density). Risks include: infection, nerve injury, spinal fluid leakage, scar tissue formation, and more.

Answered 4/27/2014

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Does lumbar spinal stenosis require surgery?

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