![]() ![]() Unfortunately, some people do continue to get some pain after surgery although most people find it is better than pre-operatively. Although exceptionally rare, in the worst scenario, this could result in blindness.Ĭontinuing, recurrent, or worse pain – Some people find that their leg pain can disappear immediately following surgery whilst others find it takes a few weeks to settle down. The risk is slightly higher when performing anterior or lateral / oblique procedures.Įyesight problems – there have been a few reports of eyesight problems after long spinal operations. Major blood vessel injury – there is a very small risk of major blood vessel injury during posterior spinal operations which can be life-threatening. This requires an urgent operation to remove the haematoma and decompress the nerves. Occasionally, this can press on the nerves and stop them working. If you still have problems after that time, you may require another operation to help close any further spinal fluid leakage.Įpidural haematoma – blood can collect around the nerves in the post-operative period. The surgeon can often repair it at the time but you may need to lie flat on bed-rest for 24-48hrs to allow it to heal. During the operation, it may be stuck onto the surrounding structures and can tear. In the worst scenario, this could result in paralysis affecting all levels below the operative site, and affect bladder and bowel function.ĭural tear / Durotomy / Spinal fluid leak – the nerves are surrounded by the dura, which is the membrane containing the spinal fluid. Spinal cord injury – for operations involving the cervical spine or thoracic spine, the spinal cord passes the operative area and there is a small risk of injury to it. The nerves to the bladder and bowels may also be affected which can result in incontinence or loss of normal function. Nerve injury – operating around the nerves, there is a small risk of injury to the nerves this can vary from short term minor problems through to long-lasting weakness or severe nerve pain (this is rare). In those cases, we often collect the blood as it comes out, filter it, and give it back to you (cell salvage) to reduce the chance of you requiring a formal blood transfusion. In larger procedures, a blood transfusion may be required. Following a fusion, you may require several further doses to reduce infection risk.īleeding: there is bleeding with most operations. Infection: any operation has a small risk of infection so antibiotics are often given at the start of the operation to reduce this risk. An assessment will be performed to see if you require stockings, intermittent calf compression boots, or medication to thin your blood in the post-operative period. If any of these are severe enough, there is a very small chance of dying.ĭeep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus – these are blood clots in the legs that can travel up to the lungs. They may include nausea or vomiting but can also include problems related to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and stroke. Anaesthetic problems – these will be discussed with you by the anaesthetist prior to the operation. ![]()
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