Is Spinal Stenosis Surgery Dangerous

Spinal stenosis surgery is not an inherently dangerous procedure. Indeed, doctors recommend this and other surgeries because the benefits it provides outweigh the risks. However, there is always some risk of complications when a surgery is performed.

Potential Complications 

Complications following spine surgery are relatively rare, but it is possible to experience:

• Infection
  
• Bleeding
  
• Blood clots
  
• Nerve damage
  
• Failure to resolve symptoms
  

During both laser and open spine surgery, the risk of serious complications like paralysis and death is exceedingly rare. Indeed, the vast majority of spinal stenosis surgery doctors go their entire careers without ever seeing such a case. Although it is technically possible to experience a catastrophic complication after a routine surgery, the chance is quite low.

Types of Surgery 

Many cases of spinal stenosis can be treated using laser spine surgery, a minimally invasive form of surgery with:

• Smaller incisions
  
• A lower chance of major interventions like the insertion of hardware
  
• No hospital stay
  
• Shorter recovery period
  

All of these factors help to reduce the risk of the side effects mentioned above. For that reason, laser spine surgery is preferable in cases where it is appropriate, although certain cases of spinal stenosis still need to be treated using traditional surgery.

Most people experience no side effects after their spinal stenosis surgery, especially if minimally invasive surgery is used. However, there is always a risk of both minor and serious side effects from any surgery. This it the type of calculated risk that people take everyday when they perform activities like driving a car, and almost all patients find that the benefits of the surgery far outweigh the risks.

To schedule a consultation about whether or not surgery is the right type of treatment for your spinal stenosis, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.