Risks of Lumbar Discectomy Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, lumbar discectomy comes with inherent risks and potential complications. While the surgery can be successful in alleviating symptoms, patients need to be aware of the possible adverse outcomes.

• Infection at the Surgical Site: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Post-operative infections may require additional treatment and delay the recovery process.
• Nerve Damage: During surgery, there is a small risk of nerve damage. Although the procedure aims to relieve pressure on the nerves, there is always a possibility of inadvertent nerve injury during the surgical process.
• Blood Clots: Surgery involving the lower extremities carries a risk of blood clots, which can potentially lead to more severe complications if not promptly treated.
• Anesthesia-related Complications: Anesthesia is necessary for lumbar discectomy surgery, and while it is generally safe, there is always a small risk of complications related to the administration of anesthesia.
• Disc Recurrence or Reherniation: In some cases, a previously treated disc can reherniate or experience a recurrence of symptoms. This may require additional treatment or surgery.
• Adverse Reaction to Hardware: In some lumbar discectomy surgeries, hardware such as screws or rods may be used to stabilize the spine. There is a slight risk of adverse reactions to these materials, including hardware-related complications.

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