Risks Associated with Lumbar Discectomy Surgery:
What You Need to Know

While lumbar discectomy surgery can be an effective treatment option, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. These risks include:

1. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or within the spine. Precautions are taken to minimize this risk, but it can still occur.
2. Bleeding: During surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, which may require additional interventions to control.
3. Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerves surrounding the affected disc may be damaged during surgery, leading to sensory or motor deficits.
4. Spinal fluid leak: The protective covering of the spinal cord and nerves (dura) can be unintentionally punctured during the procedure, resulting in a spinal fluid leak. This requires immediate attention to prevent complications.
5. Recurrence: While lumbar discectomy aims to remove the damaged portion of the disc, there is a chance of disc herniation recurring in the future.
6. Failed back surgery syndrome: In some cases, despite a successful surgical outcome, patients may continue to experience persistent or recurrent back pain.

Considering these risks, it is worth exploring alternative treatment options such as laser therapy, which can offer a non-invasive approach to address lumbar disc issues and potentially minimize the associated risks.

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