Postoperative Epidural Fibrosis after Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery: Our Experience

Postoperative epidural fibrosis (PEF) is a significant complication following lumbar disc herniation surgery. It is characterised by the formation of non-physiological scar tissue that may lead to recurrent radicular pain and contribute to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Despite its clinical relevance, the exact incidence and effective management strategies for LPEF have not been adequately quantified in the existing literature.

This study analyses a cohort of 2673 patients who underwent surgical intervention for herniated lumbar discs between September 2010 and August 2023, focusing on 1974 patients monitored for up to one year post surgery.

The study reports on the incidence of postoperative fibrosis, with 97 patients diagnosed with this condition. Over 61% of these patients experienced inadequate relief following various treatment modalities, including epidural steroid injections and anti-neuropathic medications.

The findings indicate that while corticosteroid injections provided relief for a minority (23.61%) of patients, a substantial proportion continued to experience pain, necessitating referral to pain management centres. This research contributes to the understanding of LPEF's impact on patient outcomes and underscores the need for further investigation into effective preventive and therapeutic strategies during postoperative care.