|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Spinal Cord Surgery Complications

The spinal cord is very delicate, so when surgery is performed there is a risk that serious complications may occur. If the surgeon makes just one wrong move, the patient could face serious complications. Spinal-cord surgery candidates should take the time to learn about the possible complications before undergoing the procedure.

  1. General Anesthesia

    • General anesthesia is the type of anesthesia that puts a patient to sleep, but can cause some patients to experience complications. These complications can lead to pulmonary system infections, lung problems, and can increase a person's risk of having a stroke, heart attack or blood clot. If a person has an allergic reaction, he may experience anaphylactic shock (closing of the throat), which can lead to death. General anesthesia may also increase a person's risk of developing pneumonia.

    Infection

    • All surgical procedures include infection as a risk. This potential spinal-cord surgery complication can typically be treated easily. However, if it is not detected in a timely manner the infection may invade the surgical wound's deeper levels and even the spinal canal itself. If this occurs, death may result. When spinal surgeries involve the use of hardware or cadaver bone-grafts, the risk of infection is higher.

    Spinal Fluid Leaks

    • A possible complication of spinal-cord surgery is a spinal fluid leak. This complication may occur if the spinal cord's surrounding membrane is torn or punctured, or if it ruptures. In many cases this complication is noticed during the spinal-cord surgery and corrected right away. However, if it is not corrected during surgery, it can lead to serious complications such as a spinal infection or chronic headaches, and will need an additional spinal-cord surgery to be corrected.

    Nerve Damage

    • Nerve damage is a possible complication of spinal-cord surgery. This complication can occur during the surgery and one or more nerves can be affected. When nerves become damaged, they can cause a decrease in the patient's sensation and ability to move. If an autonomic nerve is damaged, it can cause lung or heart problems or, in severe cases, death.

    Paralysis

    • Spinal-cord surgery is a very delicate procedure and a surgery-related injury or infection can lead to paralysis. This complication of spinal cord surgery is rare, but possible. What part or parts of the body become paralyzed will depend on where the damage is located. Once paralysis occurs, it cannot be reversed.

Surgeries - Related Articles