The nerve’s anatomy and function concerning lower back pain have been the subject of scientific study on the intracept technique over time.
A little incision and a few stitches are used to perform this operation.
The procedure is carried out by inserting tiny instruments through the apertures created by the small incision.
With this type of surgery, the healthy tissue inside the vertebra is preserved, and minimal pain, scarring, and damage are caused.
One of the several bones surrounding and safeguarding your spine and spinal cord is the vertebra body, which is the focus of the intracept treatment.
Less damage to the body typically results from the intracept procedure, which uses fewer incisions.
This surgery results in less pain and a shorter recovery time when used as a treatment for several spine disorders.
Likewise, spinal fusion and lumbar decompression can be performed using the intracept procedure.
Like any other medical technique, there are drawbacks to minimally invasive spine surgery. Before choosing, consult an expert and weigh the intracept procedure side effects below.
Intracept Procedure Eide Effects
1. Anesthesia risks
General anesthesia is used for the majority of intracept procedures.
An intravenous (IV) line will be used to administer sedatives so that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Anesthesia risks are rare but significant. Anesthesia becomes a potential intracept procedure side effect, posing death risks, brain damage, heart attack, and stroke.
These issues could be brought on by adverse drug reactions or problems resulting from other medical conditions.
2. Blood clotting
Blood clotting is another potential Intracept procedure side effect.
Patients who undergo Intracept procedures risk getting blood clots, especially if the procedure involves the lower back.
This condition is known as deep venous thrombosis or DVT.
This procedure attempts to halt the bleeding brought on by the surgery. The body’s clotting mechanism is particularly active after surgery.
Clotting can also be triggered by injury to the blood vessels close to the surgical site.
Clots can develop in the prominent veins in the calf and then spread upward into the veins in the thigh. They occasionally can go to the pelvic veins.
3. Nonunion (Failed Fusion)
Simply put, some fusions do not heal as expected. This is one of the uncommon but vital Intracept procedure side effects.
Nonunion refers to this fusion’s inability to heal. A nonunion typically denotes movement between the two bones that should be fused.
The pain from this uninvited motion could get worse over time. The metal implants that keep the fusion together might be damaged due to the spinal motion’s force.
If the bones do not fuse, you might require extra surgery.
To help the fusion heal, your surgeon may decide to replace the metal implants, add an extra bone graft, or even add an electrical stimulator.
4. Infection
Every time an intracept procedure is done, there is a chance of infection. Less than 1% of spinal operations result in conditions.
A skin incision infection may affect that location. Likewise, it may extend deeper to affect the vertebrae and the tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
Antibiotics and possibly removing the skin stitches are usually effective treatments for a superficial wound infection.
It may be necessary to do repeated surgeries to drain the infection from deeper wounds since they can be pretty dangerous.
In the worst scenarios, removing implants, bone grafts, and plates employed might be necessary.
5. Persistent Numbness, Weakness, Or Pain
Some symptoms you were experiencing before surgery (weakness, numbness, and pain) may persist immediately. This is one of the possible intracept procedure side effects.
Although it can take some time for your nerves to heal, in most cases, such lingering symptoms will disappear as you recover from your operation.
Nevertheless, some spinal surgeries are ineffective and do not completely relieve pain, numbness, or weakness.
The process could make you feel worse.
6. Cage Migration or Bone Graft
Cage migration is another rare but possible Intracept procedure side effect.
A graft or a metal or plastic implant may be used to replace a disc in between vertebrae in some Intracept procedures.
A graft or fusion cage that has shifted out of position is described as “migrating.”
This typically happens shortly after surgery, before the cage or graft is firmly linked by bone development.
The cage or graft may not support the two vertebrae properly if it slides too far.
It may harm those structures if it advances or retreats in either direction toward the spine or the forms in front of it.
An issue with migration can necessitate a second procedure to replace
7. Lunge Issues
Anesthesia use might pose lung issues, posing a potential Intracept procedure side effect.
You must exercise your lungs after surgery because anesthesia, inactivity, and painkillers can all adversely affect them.
As your lungs deliver oxygen to the parts of your body that require it to repair an Intracept procedure, they are a crucial component of post-operative healing.
Pneumonia can develop if your lungs aren’t functioning correctly after surgery (a lung infection).
8. Hardware Fracture and Loosening
Many Intracept procedures involve implants, plates, and rods to hold the vertebrae in place while the body heals.
The term “hardware” refers to these metal objects.
After healing, bone fusion is more stress-resistant than metal.
Before the fusion fully recovers, the hardware may occasionally become loose or shatter, one of the Intracept procedure side effects.
If this happens, a second operation to remove or replace the hardware might be necessary.
9. Dural Tear
A dural tear develops when the tiny, protective layer that covers the spinal cord and nervous tissue is ripped during the surgery.
Your surgeon may occasionally be able to spot a dural tear while performing surgery and instantly fix it.
Most dural rips mend without any problems. But if it doesn’t recover, spinal fluid may leak out through the rupture, resulting in a headache in the back.
Inform your surgeon if you have a headache following surgery. A dural tear may require additional surgery to be repaired.
10. Injury to The Nerve or Spinal Cord
Whenever the spine is operated on, there is a chance that the spinal cord or specific nerves could be harmed.
This might happen due to the tools used during surgery, edema, or the development of scar tissue post-surgery.
Paralysis in some regions of the body following spinal cord damage may not affect others. Inflammation, numbness, or weakness in the area that the injured nerve supplies can all result from the injury.
Sexual dysfunction may result from the injury of a nerve that runs through the pelvic area.
Conclusion
Although they are uncommon, some potential risks are associated with Intracept procedures.
Although the risks of general spine surgery discussed in this article are uncommon, you must know of any possible complications that might arise.
Before having back surgery, speak with your spine surgeon about the risks and steps you can take to help avoid potential complications.
Understanding the risks enables you to assess them against the potential benefits. Also, it allows you to decide if the procedure is ideal for you with full knowledge of all the pros and cons.
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