“Is back surgery with diabetes advisable?”
My mother is suffering from a lot of back pain and the doctor has recommended operating. However, she has been diabetic for the last 20 years. With such a medical history do you think there are any extra complications she must keep in mind?
7 Answers
She is at a higher risk for complications, yes. However, just work hard to control her diabetes and try to lose weight prior to Surgery. Consult Functional Medicine and Endocrinology, if she has not done so as yet.
Even if your Mother had no diabetic problem there are always things to consider when having surgery no matter where it is at. Her Doctor has her best interest at heart. I do not think any doctor would do any surgery with out looking at all of her health problems. If you have any fear about this ask the doctor doing the surgery all the questions you have now. They should have the answers for you.
If you need back surgery you need it , diabetic patients are at slightly higher risk of delayed wound healing. Best thing is to have good glycemic control prior to your surgery
She is definitely at an increased risk for poor wound healing and infection with a history of diabetes. Deciding on whether to proceed with back surgery is very complicated due to the risks verses benefit ratio. Most would suggest to avoid surgery at all cost and to use alternative modes of therapy until the pain becomes unbearable, or mobility is severely hindered, or if quality of life has been significantly altered.
If you need back surgery and your problem will be fixed with the surgical treatment, diabetes can be monitored and it's not a problem to have surgery, unless your weight is too much and your BMI is high. Discuss it with your surgeon.
If DM is well controlled, one can have a back operation, not contraindicated.
If your diabetes is under control, no problem. Surgery is safe.
