Because back surgery and LSS involves a dynamic physical structure and aging processes, surgical treatment for LSS does not prevent the condition from developing at other levels of the spine. A small number of patients may develop LSS at other levels following surgery and may require a second operation. But such cases are infrequent. Risks Surgeries for LSS are among the safest, most common and successful back surgeries performed on older patients. But these procedures still involve risks.
Studies have shown the incidence of complications is low.
However, as with all surgical procedures for older patients, it is necessary to consider potential co-morbidities such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. In discussing the possibility of surgery, it is important to remind patients that failure to address the condition is likely to contribute to overall loss of vitality and a compromised lifestyle. Moreover, forced inactivity can adversely affect a patient's general health and a patient's stenosis may worsen over time, requiring intervention at a later stage when prospects for total recovery may be less favorable.