Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery

What Is Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery?

Lumbar spine revision surgery refers to lower back procedures done after an earlier surgery fails to provide lasting relief. The goal of revision is to fix problems with the first surgery or to address parts of the spine that prior treatment did not. In doing so, the revision eliminates the cause of continued pain to provide long-lasting relief.

The lumbar spine, or lower back, is one of the sturdiest skeletal structures in the body. This is out of necessity. Not only does it provide most of the back’s mobility, but it also supports the weight of the entire upper body. It receives large amounts of stress as a result. This stress can impact the sites of past surgeries. Even though many spine treatments are proven to provide good results, it is not unusual for the pain to return later. Pain returning after surgery is known as failed back syndrome.

Correcting the Results of Failed Back Surgery

Lumbar revision surgery treats failed back syndrome in the lumbar spine, or lower back. Many lumbar spine surgeries have been proven to deliver reliable results. Even so, they can fail for a wide variety of reasons. Common causes of spine surgery failure include:

• The original surgeon did not accurately identify the cause of the pain
• The surgery caused accidental damage to a spinal root nerve
• The operation site became infected after treatment
• The patient smokes, which keeps the surgery from healing properly
• Excessive scar tissue formed around the operation site
• An attempted lumbar spinal fusion did not fuse correctly
• The patient’s body rejected a donor bone graft
• Surgical implants are starting to loosen or break down
• A degenerative disease continued to progress after treatment
• A new back condition has developed near the same site

When one surgery has already failed, many patients are hesitant to try again. Undergoing a second major operation and rehabilitation is daunting to people who have already gone through the process without a positive outcome. While it is normal to feel uncertain, patients should not delay receiving the care they need. Lumbar spine revision surgery provides a lasting solution, relieving pain so that patients can get back to their active lifestyles.

Who Performs Lumbar Spinal Revision Surgery at NU-Spine?

Lumbar spinal revision surgery is a very complex procedure that requires precise surgical skills and the ability to adapt in unique situations. Not every spine surgeon is equipped for the challenge. To ensure a successful surgery and to feel confident about further treatment, it is important that patients work with an experienced surgeon who is trained in complex procedures.

At NU-Spine, lumbar spinal revision surgery is performed by our lead neurosurgeon, Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj is an award-winning spine surgeon who is known around the world for the high level of care he provides. He specializes in performing advanced procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spine revision. His experience and his down-to-earth demeanor help patients feel confident in his care, knowing that he will help them achieve the results they are looking for.

How Is Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery Done?

There is no standard method for spine revision surgery. The procedure must be fully customized to the patient’s unique condition. To ensure the best results, Dr. Skovrlj begins with a thorough assessment using state-of-the-art imaging. These tests help him pinpoint the exact source of the patient’s pain.

After forming an accurate understanding of the patient’s condition, Dr. Skovrlj can devise an operation that will treat it effectively. He will then help the patient understand what to expect from surgery. How long the operation will take depends on the details of the treatment, though most spine revisions take several hours to complete and require the use of anesthesia. Dr. Skovrlj aims to reduce the time whenever possible using minimally invasive methods.

Recovery After Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery

Like the procedure itself, the immediate outcomes of lumbar spine surgery are variable. Some patients need to begin their recovery with a short hospital stay, while others can go home the same day. Whenever the patient is ready to go home, Dr. Skovrlj provides instructions for recovery. Patients should make sure they understand his instructions. Dr. Skovrlj may instruct the patient to:

• Keep the incision site clean with surgical dressings
• Limit house chores and other strenuous activities
• Walk around every day to encourage blood flow
• Take medications to reduce pain and prevent infection
• Check surgical sites for swelling, redness, and other signs of infection
• Get physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility
• Schedule follow-up appointments

Length of recovery depends on the patient’s age, their health, and the specific procedures that were performed. Patients can plan to spend a few weeks to several months recovering from surgery. If they receive a spinal fusion, their spine may not be fully stable for over a year. Dr. Skovrlj will help patients understand what to expect when planning for recovery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Skovrlj specializes in performing minimally invasive spine surgeries. These are advanced surgical techniques that use cutting-edge equipment to work through as small an incision as possible. By reducing surgical trauma, they provide an array of benefits for the patient:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Quicker recovery times
• Less post-surgical bleeding
• Less risk of infection or complications
• Higher surgical success rates
• Faster results

Minimally invasive treatments also provide greater peace of mind. By shortening the recovery time and reducing the risk of complications, they help patients feel more confident about receiving a second surgery. Patients who are interested in learning more can speak with Dr. Skovrlj about whether they may be a good candidate.

Find Expert Treatment for Lower Back Pain Near You in New Jersey

After a failed surgery, continued lower back pain may be discouraging. Fortunately, patients can find a permanent solution at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our award-winning neurosurgeon performs revision lumbar spine surgery to help patients get back to pain-free living. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery

What is lumbar spine revision?

Lumbar spine revision surgery is a type of complex surgery to treat continued or returning pain after a previous surgery on the lower back.

When is lumbar spine revision surgery recommended?

Lumbar spine revision surgery is recommended for patients who have already received a lower back surgery but still experience pain or other symptoms.

Why can spine surgeries go wrong?

There are many reasons why spine surgeries can go wrong, even when they are performed correctly. Common causes of surgical failure include a misdiagnosed spine condition, surgical damage to a nerve root, scar tissue, infection, implant or graft failure, and continued degeneration.