Is it advisable for a 53yr old to have back surgery for spondylosis. she has possible spina bifida on l-1, 2&3. what are the risks?

Second opinion: If the surgery is for spondylosis, which just means degeneration, then get at least one other opinion. If the main complaint is back pain then laminectomy is not likely to help and fusion results are very unpredictable. It is unusual to have spina bifida at those levels. Please double check that diagnosis. 53 is not old and perfectly safe age to have spinal surgery if truly indicated.

Spondylosis: Spondylosis is simply arthritis. This is not a common reason for spine surgery. Now, if pressure is present on the nerves from the arthritis (spinal stenosis) that is a different story. Spina bifida shouldn't affect treatment, as it usually is the occulta (stable) type. I would try nonsurgical treatment first: physical therapy, arthritis meds, nerve blocks, & reserve surgery for failure of above.