Like all surgical procedures, lumber decompressive surgery carries some risk of complications. Repeat operations have a higher risk of complications than first-time operations.
Complications may include:
Risks from general anaesthetic
There are a number of serious complications associated with general anaesthetic, but these are very rare. Rare complications could include a heart attack, blood clot in the lung or an allergic reaction, any of which could be fatal.
Paralysis
The risk of paralysis after surgery is low. It could occur if there is bleeding into the spinal canal after surgery or the blood supply of spinal nerves is damaged.
Infection
There is always a risk of infection following an operation. Superficial infections of your wound after surgery are not usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics. You are at a higher risk of infection if you are diabetic, on steroids or have a lowered resistance to infection.
Deep spinal infections are much more serious but less common, occurring in less than 1% of cases. If a deep infection occurs, it can require repeat operations and a long course of antibiotics.
Leak of spinal fluid (incidental durotomy)
This is when a hole is made in the lining of the spinal canal allowing the spinal fluid to leak out. The surgeon may intend to do this as part of the operation. Or it may occur as a result of the disc or bone being stuck to the lining of the spinal canal.
The hole in the spinal lining can usually be repaired with stitches or a patch but sometimes it is safer to leave it to heal. The leak of fluid usually dries up within a few days and there is no long-term effect.
Damage to spinal nerves or blood vessels
Having spinal surgery may cause damage to spinal nerves and increased numbness or pain after your operation. In some cases, it may cause paralysis of the legs or permanent bowel problems.
Damage to blood vessels can result in life-threatening bleeding if the main blood vessels are affected. This is extremely rare.
