A Rare Complication of Spine Surgery: Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Since little has been reported about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after spine surgery, we sought to determine some of the clinical features and the management of the condition.

A total of 4 cases of GBS after spine surgery were included. The medical charts of the patients were reviewed to obtain demographic and clinical details. All the patients underwent neurologic and electrophysiologic examinations and were followed up after surgery.

The onset of symptoms about GBS was 2-7 days after the operation. Neurologic evaluation showed weaknesses of upper and lower extremities and repeal of tendon reflexes. The patients exhibited typical clinical symptoms and signs of GBS and electromyographic findings. Lumbar puncture was performed in 2 cases, and cerebrospinal fluid examination showed albuminocytological dissociation. All the 4 patients were diagnosed as GBS on the basis of typical clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiologic findings. Intravenous immunoglobulin was instituted. At follow-up, one patient needed ventilator support; one patient could transfer from bed to chair; one walked with assistive devices; and the remaining patient had residual minor neurologic deficits.

These cases warn surgeons to be alert to the association of GBS and spine surgery. On the basis of our experience, we recommend consideration of this rare diagnosis in patients with paralysis after spine surgery.