Spine surgery is a significant decision that affects the quality of life of the patient concerned. Millions of spinal surgeries are performed yearly, and a vast majority are successful.
However, some of them lead to complications that can be serious and life-altering. Given the risks involved, how do you make an informed decision whether to proceed with spine surgery or try alternative methods?
Let’s discuss spine surgery and some of the complications and risks involved to help you make an informed decision.
Spine Surgery
Spine surgery is a procedure designed to alleviate back pain caused by various conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis, among others. While these surgeries have a high success rate, they are not without risks.
Common types of spinal surgeries are:
Discectomy
This procedure removes a portion of a disc that is pressing on a nerve and causing pain. This pressure can result from conditions such as herniated or slipped discs.
Laminectomy
In a laminectomy, a surgeon removes parts of the bone, bone spurs, or ligaments in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. This procedure is commonly performed on patients with spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently connected or fused to improve stability, correct a deformity, or reduce pain. This is often used to treat degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra).
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a relatively new procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged disc with an artificial one. The goal is to maintain or restore the spine’s flexibility and movement while relieving pain.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a decompression surgery performed to relieve pressure on nerves that travel through the foramen, the passageways on the sides of the vertebrae. This pressure can be due to bulging discs, thickened joints, or bone spurs.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
These procedures are performed to treat vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis. Both involve injecting a cement-like material into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain.
Common Complications and Risks
Here are some common complications and risks of spine surgery.
Infection
Infection is a common complication of spine surgery. The risk of developing an infection is higher in older patients who have weakened immune systems or who smoke.
The symptoms of a spinal infection include fever, chills, and severe pain at the site of surgery. If you have a spinal infection, you may need antibiotic treatment or additional surgery.
To reduce the risk of infection, your spine surgeon will give you antibiotics before surgery and provide specific guidance for post-operative care.
Nerve Damage
Spinal surgery also carries the risk of nerve damage. The nerves in the spinal cord control signals from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa.
Any damage to the nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body. The extent of the nerve damage depends on the nature and duration of the surgery.
If you experience any pain or numbness after surgery, it is essential to inform your spine surgeon immediately.
Blood Loss
Significant blood loss is also associated with spine surgery. The amount of blood loss depends on the type of surgery performed.
Patients who have a pre-existing medical condition like anemia or who are on blood thinners may be at increased risk of bleeding. To reduce blood loss, your spine surgeon may use specialized surgical techniques.
In some cases, patients may need a blood transfusion to manage blood loss.
Anesthesia Complications
As with any procedure involving anesthesia, there’s a risk of adverse reactions to the drugs used or complications related to heart or lung conditions.
Instrumentation Failure
Instrumentation, such as screws, plates, or rods, is used in spinal surgery to promote spinal stability and fusion. In rare cases, the implants may break or shift from their original position, leading to pain and discomfort.
Your spine surgeon will monitor your progress after surgery to ensure the instrumentation is working correctly.
Making an Informed Decision
Knowing these risks, how does one make an informed decision about spine surgery? Here are some steps:
- Education: Learn as much as you can about your condition and the proposed surgical procedure. Ask your spine surgeon about the surgery’s success rate and potential complications.
- Second Opinion: It’s always beneficial to seek a second opinion. Another spine surgeon may offer a different perspective or alternative treatment options.
- Weigh the Risks: Compare the potential benefits of surgery against the risks and complications. Consider your quality of life with the condition and how it might improve after surgery.
- Discuss with Your Spine Surgeon: Have an open discussion with your spine surgeon about your concerns. They can provide valuable insights based on their experience and expertise.
- Consider Your Overall Health: Your overall health plays a significant role in your ability to recover from surgery. Discuss any existing health conditions with your spine surgeon.
Spine Surgeon in Colorado
Making an informed decision about spine surgery requires a thorough understanding of not only the potential benefits but also the associated risks and complications.
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our team of board-certified surgeons is committed to providing patients with comprehensive information to help them make the best decisions about their health.We also utilize the most advanced technology and techniques available today to ensure patient safety and improve outcomes.
If you have any concerns or questions about spine surgery risks and complications, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or request your visit online. We look forward to serving you!
