What Are the Risks of Surgery for Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis patients may require surgery to ease pressure on the spinal cord and nerves by widening the spinal canal. Although the surgery is a common one that is usually free of serious complications, patients should discuss the potential risks with their doctors.

Risks

• The most common risks of spinal stenosis surgery are bleeding, blood clots, reaction to the anesthesia and infection. Serious risks include nerve injury, recurrence of symptoms, tearing of the sac that covers the nerves and failure of the bone fusion to heal.

Time Frame

• The common risks, such as bleeding and infection, typically occur shortly after surgery when patients can receive prompt medical attention. Symptoms may not recur until two to three months after surgery, so it is important to keep the doctor informed throughout the process.

Considerations

• Spinal stenosis surgery patients are often elderly people who have a higher risk of problems. Overweight patients, smokers, diabetics and patients with other medical problems also have a higher risk of complications.

Prevention/Solution

• Patients should stop smoking and make sure diabetes and other medical conditions are under control before undergoing surgery, so the risk of complications is lowered. Patients should inform their surgeons of any previous reactions to anesthesia and any allergies.

Expert Insight

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 80 percent of spinal fusion surgeries have excellent outcomes. Risks associated with the surgery are minimal, and most people are able to live a normal life after recovery.