Postoperative complications

Spine Surgery in Dubai

Spine surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that can improve the quality of life for many patients. However, like any surgery, it also carries some risks of complications that may occur during or after the operation. 

These complications can range from minor and temporary to severe and permanent, depending on the type and extent of the surgery, the patient’s health condition, and the surgeon’s skill and experience.

If you are worried or curious about anything related to the surgery, you can always talk to Dr. Martin. With his expertise in spine surgery in Dubai, Dr. Martin helps his patients achieve effective relief and well-being.

spine surgery in dubai

Spine Surgery Complications

Spine surgery can have various complications and risks, which can be hard to grasp if they are presented individually. So, grouping them into risks during and after the surgery can make them easier to comprehend.

Risks During The Spine Surgery

Bleeding
  • This happens when blood vessels are damaged during the surgery and cause excessive blood loss or hematoma (blood collection under the skin or around the spine).
  • Bleeding can be controlled with pressure, transfusion, or drainage, but sometimes, it may require additional surgery to end the bleeding and repair the damage.
Nerve injury
  • This occurs when nerves are compressed, stretched, or cut during the surgery and cause numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, or paralysis in the affected area. 
  • Nerve injury can be temporary or permanent, depending on the location and the severity of the injury. Some nerve injuries may improve over time with physical therapy and medication, but others may require additional surgery to decompress or repair the nerve.
Dural Tear
  • The spinal cord and nerves are protected by a thin layer of tissue called the dura mater. Sometimes, this layer can get torn during spine surgery. It is one of the most common complications of spine surgery in Dubai. The tear can be fixed during the surgery and usually heals well, but if it is not seen, it may not heal and keep leaking spinal fluid.
  • The leaking spinal fluid can lead to a severe headache. It can also raise the chance of a spinal fluid infection (spinal meningitis). If the tear does not close by itself soon enough, another surgery may be needed to mend the dura.
Spinal cord damage
  • Spinal cord damage occurs when the spinal cord is injured during the surgery and leads to loss of sensation, movement, or function below the level of the injury. Spinal cord injury can be complete or partial, depending on the extent of the damage. 
  • Although spinal cord damage is rare, it is a serious complication that can have devastating consequences for the patient’s life. Spinal cord injury is permanent and incurable, but some treatments may help to prevent further damage and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Damage of surrounding structures
  • It include damage to the Esophagus, Trachea, vocal nerve during cervical spine surgery; lungs during thoracic spine surgery, abdominal and pelvic structures during lumbar spine surgery.

Positioning trauma
  • Positioning trauma during surgery can lead to a range of postoperative complications, affecting patient outcomes significantly. It occurs when improper body positioning during a procedure compromises tissue integrity, leading to nerve damage, pressure ulcers, and compromised circulation. Recognizing and mitigating these risks through careful patient positioning and monitoring are crucial for minimizing postoperative complications and enhancing recovery.

Risks After The Surgery

Infection

This occurs when bacteria enter the surgical site and cause inflammation, pain, fever, and drainage. Infection can be cured with antibiotics, but in some cases, surgery may be required to clean the wound and remove any infected hardware.

Hardware failure

This occurs when the screws, rods, plates, or cages used to stabilize the spine break or loosen and cause pain, instability, or nerve compression. Hardware failure can be caused by infection, trauma, bone loss, or poor surgical technique. It may require additional surgery to remove or replace the hardware.

Thrombophlebitis

This occurs when blood clots form inside the veins of the legs, which is a common problem following many types of surgical procedures. These blood clots can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the legs, and they may also travel to the lungs and lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Thrombophlebitis can be prevented or treated with blood thinners, compression stockings, or filters.

Impaired wound healing

It is a complex medical condition where the body’s natural process of repairing and regenerating skin tissue is disrupted or inefficient. This can result from various factors, including poor nutrition, compromised immune system, or underlying diseases such as diabetes. The condition can lead to prolonged recovery times, increased risk of infection, and in severe cases, chronic wounds.

Recurrence of pathology

Its symptoms refers to the return of a disease or its manifestations after a period of improvement or remission. This can occur in many medical conditions, including chronic illnesses, cancers, and infections. Recurrence may be triggered by factors such as incomplete treatment, resistance to therapy, or environmental and genetic predispositions, necessitating ongoing management and surveillance.

 

Dr. Martin excels in alleviating spine surgery complications and pain, including minimally invasive spine surgery risks, providing specialized care for lasting relief and improved patient comfort.

Consult Dr. Martin Liner for spine surgery in Dubai

Complications from spine surgery can be rare and preventable, but they can still happen and cause trouble later on. Contact Dr. Martin Liner, a skilled and knowledgeable spine surgery specialist in Dubai, to learn more about the possible complications and how to avoid or manage them.

With expertise in spine surgery, Dr. Martin can lower the risks and complications of the surgery and offer specialized care that ensures long-term comfort for his patients.

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