Post-operative neurogenic bladder

[Ane__0__0]

  After L5-S1 diskectomy I developed a neurogenic bladder and mild constipation with
  mild paresthesias of the leg.  MRI subsequently showed "extensive inflammatory change
  within the left ventral and lateral epidural space... with arachnoiditis involving
  the sacral nerve roots."  What causes this, is it the cause of the bladder problem?
  Could it be due to operative findings of "bone over the sacral element being very thin
  exposing sacral nerve elements--Gelfoam placed over space."?  Could something have been done
  to prevent the post-operative complication which has not resolved?
  Thank you.
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Dear Anne,
When removing a L5/S1 disc, the surgeon may encounter the sacral nerve roots,
roots that control sensation in the genital region as well as continence of
bowel and bladder functions.  It is conceivable that the nerve roots were manipulated
at surgery enough to explain your present problems.  It would be distinctly
unusual for those nerves to be inadvertently cut during surgery.  A postoperative
arachnoiditis could explain the situation, and should get better.  
Consult your surgeon as to his opinion of the new problems.  This should not
happen after a simple diskectomy.  Your surgeon may also consider a spinal
tap to be sure there is no infection.
Good luck.