[Quality assurance of back surgery. A follow-up of 350 patients treated for sciatica by means of survival analysis]. / Kvalitetssikring av ryggkirurgi. Oppfølging av 350 isjiasopererte ved bruk av overlevingsanalyse.

350 patients underwent a follow-up 2-16 years after back surgery. The aim was to find quality indicators, such as frequency of complications, recurrences and reoperation, in addition to establishing postoperative status and patient satisfaction. The complication rate was 9.7%. Most complications were not serious, and there was no mortality. We found a cumulative recurrency rate of 18% and a cumulative reoperation rate of 12%. Women had significantly better long-term results than men, psychosocial problems being a strong negative predictor. Questionnaires revealed that 76% of the patients were satisfied, whereas 22% were not. Postoperatively, 59% reported a persistent, but usually slight back problem.