Cervical Endoscopic Spinal Surgery: Sequela, Failure to Cure, Complications and Their Management

Abstract

Sequelae and complications following endoscopic surgery of the cervical spine are rare. They may range from neuropraxia, temporary and self-limiting loss of sensation, motor strength, loss of the voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, vascular and dural leaks to full-blown spinal cord injury with tetraplegia in the worst cases. In this chapter, the authors systematically review the most concerning problems the endoscopic spine surgeon may run into and discuss their management in the context of the most up-to-date peer-reviewed literature. Surgeon training and high skill level are of the utmost importance in minimizing potentially grave outcomes from the cervical spine's endoscopic spine surgery.

Keywords: Cervical endoscopy, Complications, Failure to cure, Sequela.

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