Spinal fluid leak after a spine surgery usually happens due to the injury to the set of the nerve roots of the spinal column. If the spinal fluid leak is detected during the surgery, it is usually sutured and treated accordingly. If the spinal fluid leak is not detected during the surgery or if the repair not water tight then the patient may have headache especially while sitting and standing.
These patients are usually treated with medications and IV fluids. If the patient failed to improve with conservative means, then they may need to undergo surgery for the repair of the leak.