Postoperative CSF problems after spinal and lumbar surgery. General review.

Although the dura is frequently traumatized in surgery, and during lumbar punctures, it is surprising that the "CSF problem" is a rare complication in the surgical treatment for herniated intervertebral disc (0.1%); and exceptionally rare at cervical or dorsal level. In the upright position the CSF pressure at the site of the potential leak is greater in the lumbar region, lumbar operations are more frequently performed than cervical, and, perhaps, also because cervical operations are performed by fewer surgeons with greater specific experience. The purpose of this work is to describe the etiopathology, the symptomatology, the diagnosis and treatment of early and delayed CSF problems.