A 29-year-old member asked:
What are the likely complications of lumbar spinal surgery?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 27, 2014
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