What are the Potential Complications of Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery?
As with any operation, there are risks involved with spine fusion surgery. Some patients may develop a distended abdomen and may not be able to eat. If this happens, a special tube may be inserted to relieve the distension. Another complication is a wound infection. Antibiotics are given before and after the operation to prevent this from occurring. Urinary problems after spine surgery may include urinary retention and urinary tract infection. A catheter will be placed into your bladder at the time of surgery and will be removed as soon as possible when you are up and around. Some patients may continue to have pain at the bone graft donor site. If the fusion does not heal, (a condition known as pseudoarthrosis) the instrumentation, such as rods, screws, hooks may break, and further surgery may be required. People who smoke are at a higher risk for pseudoarthrosis complications. Other complications include phlebitis in your legs and blood clots in your lung. To protect against these pro
