What Causes Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage And Vomiting After A Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 4 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 4 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband had posterior lumbar, fusion and instrumentation surgery 10 days ago..The wounds . He had an accidental tear in a membrane which had to be drained and kept him in the hospital a little longer. It was the last drain taken out. Could this cause problems? He vomited today. Is that a concern? didn't know this was for a fee. He is a disabled veteran and the hospital is 1 hour 45 minutes away..He is elligable for full medical benefits

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consider a spine MRI.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is necessary for your husband to get a spinal cord and column MRI, in order to evaluate any cerebrospinal fluid leakage, since there was dural tear.

Vomiting may indicate changes in intracranial pressure, or, if there is fever too, meningitis should be suspected, so, yes, vomiting could be a cause of concern.

Please discuss with your husband's spine Surgeon about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if i can assist further.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee