CSF Leak 3 mos post op cervical discectomy

Hi, new here seeking some guidance on the following:
Had a cervical discectomy in Nov. 2010, developed a large puffy area around the incision in Jan. 2010. Went back to my surgeon, only to be told by the nurses it was nothing to worry about. This went on for several months.  The puffy are is now about the size of an egg in the morning, but disapates quickly after standing.  I have no headaches or pain.  Finally was able to see my surgeon in Feb. 2011, who told me I have a CSF leak. He put me back in a collar with a pressure bandage on the incision.
He told me I may need a lumbar drain, or more surgery.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I'm tempted to just opt for the surgery to be done with it, since we are going on 4 months of this now.
Appreciate any advice...
Thanks!
Carolsgirl in MN

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

First of all, your question would be best answered by a surgeon who does these procedures. However, I can tell you that this is a complication of spinal surgeries. It is typically due to the incomplete closure of the dura, which is the tissue surrounding the spinal cord encasing it and the CSF space. If not closed completely or if traumatically opened, CSF will leak out. It is possible that it may heal on its own without surgery, but I would suggest that you follow up with your surgeon to discuss closure. You may need imaging of your back to specifically look for the location of the leak.  

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.