1. [[infection]]:

a) [[superficial wound infection]]:0.9–5%
61
(risk is increased with age, long term steroids, obesity,
? DM): most are caused by S. aureus

==== Laminectomy wound infection ====

see  [[Laminectomy wound infection]].

b) [[deep wound infection]]: <1%

2. increased motor deficit: 1–8% (some transient)

3. unintended “incidental” durotomy (the term “[[unintended durotomy]]” has been recommended in preference to “[[dural tear]],”): incidence is 0.3–13% (risk increases to ≈ 18% in redo operations)
((Goodkin R, Laska LL. Unintended 'Incidental' Durotomy During Surgery of the Lumbar Spine: Medicolegal Implications. Surg Neurol. 1995; 43:4-14)).

a) [[CSF fistula]] (external CSF leak): the risk of a CSF fistula requiring operative repair is≈10 per
10
((Ramirez LF, Thisted R. Complications and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy in Community Hospitals. Neurosurgery. 1989; 25:226–231)).

b) [[Pseudomeningocele]]: 0.7–2%
((Goodkin R, Laska LL. Unintended 'Incidental' Durotomy During Surgery of the Lumbar Spine: Medicolegal Implications. Surg Neurol. 1995; 43:4-14))
(may appear similar radiographically to spinal epidural abscess
(SEA), but post-op SEA often enhances, is more irregular, and is associated with muscle
edema)

4. [[Recurrent lumbar disc herniation]] (same level either side): 4% (with 10-year follow-up)

5. Postoperative [[urinary retention]] (POUR): usually temporary, but may delay hospital
discharge.