Possible Complications of Spinal Surgery

Possible complications may occur before surgery, during surgery and after surgery.

Before Surgery

The most serious complication of a herniated disc that may occur before surgery is the development of the cauda equine syndrome. It occurs when a large particle of disc material is ruptured into the spinal canal. It occurs in the area where the nerves that control the bowels and bladder travel before they leave the spine. This causes pressure on these nerves resulting in permanent damage. Bowel and bladder controlling ability is lost. If this problem occurs, surgery could be recommended immediately to try to remove the pressure on the nerves.

During Surgery

Complications during surgery occur due to anaesthesia given during any type of surgery. Possible complications that can occur during removal of a herniated disc may include injury to the nerves and a dual tear. There is a risk of injuring the spinal cord leading to nerve damage that causes paralysis. Tear in the dura mater covering the spinal cord may occur.

After Surgery

Sometimes complications may take some months to become evident after surgery and may include:

  • Infection
    Any surgical procedure has a risk of developing infection. Infection may occur in the skin incision, inside the disc or in the spinal canal around the nerves. If infection involves the skin incision, antibiotics may be needed, and if infection involves the spinal canal, a secondary operation may be required to drain the infection. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection after the second operation.
  • Re-herniation
    In 10 to 15 % cases re-herniation occurs during first six weeks after surgery. It can occur at any time and may require a second operation.
  • Persistent Pain
    Occasionally, surgical procedure does not completely eliminate the pain. Pain may persist due to several reasons. Disc herniation may put pressure against the spinal nerves causing nerve damage thus resulting in pain along the nerve. Scar tissue may form around the nerves a few weeks after the operation, causing pain similar to the pain before the operation.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
    Degeneration of the spinal segment can result from injury to the disc. A disc that has undergone operation has definitely been injured. Additional problems may develop in the area where a disc has been removed. If pain from the degenerative process becomes severe, a second operation may be required. Several years may be needed to develop degenerative disc disease.
  • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital

    NHS

    Ashford and St Peter’s
    Hospital
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Guildford Road, Cherstey,
    Surrey, KY16 0PZ.
    Ph: 01932 722 730
  • The BMI Runnymede Hospital

    Private

    The BMI
    Runnymede Hospital
    Guildford Road,
    Ottershaw, CHERTSEY,
    KT16 0RQ.
    Ph: 01932 877800
  • Spire St Anthony’s Hospital

    Private

    Spire St Anthony’s
    Hospital
    801 London Road,
    NORTH CHEAM,
    SM3 9DW.
    Ph: 020 8337 6691
  • Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

    Private

    Nuffield Health
    Woking Hospital
    Shores Road,
    WOKING,
    GU21 4BY.
    Ph: 01483 331257
  • Ramsay Health Ashtead Hospital

    Private

    Ramsay Health
    Ashtead Hospital
    The Warren,
    Ashtead, Surrey.
    KT21 2SB.
    Ph: 01372 221400