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) 1).
a) CSF fistula (external CSF leak): the risk of a CSF fistula requiring operative repair is≈10 per 10 2).
b) Pseudomeningocele: 0.7–2% 3) (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.