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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Laminectomy and discectomy post-op complications
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Laminectomy and discectomy post-op complications
by pommiepom, Apr 16, 2004 12:00AM
I recently had a L4-5 Laminectomy and discectomy and rhinzo something, i had a previous laminectomy and discectomy in 2001 on L4-5 aswell and the same problem came back affecting the right side this time. My neurosurgeon had no choice but to do another operation. With the first operation i had alot of post-op complications including wound infections and wound breakdown, it took nearly 2 years for the wound to heal and had to have interventionof a skin graft to fix the scar, now i have had the operation done again and the surgeon had to go through the same scar again, this time once again i got a wound infection but this time it was MRSA that i got. My neurosurgeon is very good and i have alot of confidence in him, but was judt wondring wha tthe chances if this problem of re-hernitation of discs L3-4-5 will we once i have fully healed, the wound is nearly healed now and with conservative treatment the MRSA has gone, we used honey on the wound which got rid the MRSA. So since this time i havent had as many wound complications what would be the chances of injuring the same discs or any others come to that. Also i havent been able to go back to work since my first operation, i work as a nurse. My neurosurgeon suggested that i dont go back to nursing but i really want to, what do you think about going back to nursing, with my back history. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatful. Thankyou
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Apr 19, 2004 12:00AM
If all of the disc material is not removed there is probably a 5-15% chance of recurrent disc problems at those levels. This is an estimate, and every surgeon quotes different risks. Without examining you and reviewing your films, I can not make a judgement regarding your work status. If your surgeon is concerned about the lifting and moving of patients, you may be able to obtain a job which excludes that. Good luck.
