Are There Complications with Spinal Surgery

For patients with chronic back pain, spine surgery can be life-changing. Patients are able to resume hobbies and workouts, their work productivity increases, they are able to get more sleep, and they experience less depression and anxiety. Many people who undergo spine surgery have been suffering from pain for months or even years with little to no respite.

Despite being aware of the impact treatment could have on their lives, many patient feel anxiety when considering surgery. They worry that surgery may bring as many problems as it solves, or that it might not work at all. Fortunately, the risk of complication from spine surgery is quite low, and the success rate is quite high. Most patients find that their symptoms are relieved and experience no side effects from surgery. Choosing a minimally invasive procedure can further reduce the risk of complications.

Potential Complications

There are several serious complications that can potentially occur after spine surgery. The risk of each specific complication will vary based on the type of surgery performed, condition being treated, and individual health issues. All are quite rare.

• Infection can occur at the surgical site, or become systemic.
  
• Lung problems are most common after open back surgery; as patients undergo general anesthesia and lie in bed for several days, normal lung function is interrupted.
• Blood clots are associated with major surgery; as the body increases clotting to heal the surgical wound, the patient also moves less. Combined, this increases risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• Nerve injury can occur as surgeons navigate the delicate structures of the spine.
• Bleeding happens when unexpected damage occurs to the blood vessels; more common in surgeries which access the back through the abdomen.
• Anesthesia complications any surgery comes with the same complications associated with the anesthesia and other medications used.
  
• Persistent pain may occur if the operation is unsuccessful. There is also a possibility that the surgery will worsen symptoms.

While all of these complications are technically possible, the risk of them is quite low. The vast majority of patients do not experience serious complications after spine surgery, and find that the procedure has successfully relieved their spine condition.

Because there is some risk of complications, no matter how small, surgery is usually only considered as a last resort, or to treat conditions where no other treatment is viable. Before recommending surgery, physicians will treat patients with a variety of conservative treatments. These include rest, physical therapy, chiropractic care, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injection. Only after a patient proves unresponsive to these treatments will surgery be considered as an option. In cases where surgery is the only remaining treatment for chronic pain or other symptoms, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Prevention

Three main factors affect the risk of complications: the type of procedure performed, after-surgery care, and the prior health of the patient.

• Laser back surgery has a lower risk of complications associated with the surgical wound and general anesthesia, including infection, lung problems, bleeding, and blood clots.
• Adherence to after-surgery care instructions, especially regarding wound care and resuming activity, can reduce the instance of blood clots, infection, and lung problems.
• Communication with your physician about past medical problems and past complications with medications can help your surgeon prevent complications you might be prone to.
  

No surgery is without risks, however small; but your physician will only recommend surgery if the benefits outweigh the potential risks in your situation. In addition, you can take steps to reduce your risk of complications, such as choosing a minimally invasive procedure and taking good care of your body before and after the procedure.

To find out whether laser spine surgery is the right choice for your back problems, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.