Our Summary

This research paper investigates whether having two surgeons instead of one during spine surgery is beneficial. Researchers looked at data from several studies and focused on things like the number of issues that cropped up during surgery, the need for blood transfusions, the need for another surgery, how long the surgery took, how long the patient stayed in the hospital, and how much blood was lost during the operation.

The results showed that surgeries performed by two surgeons had fewer complications, took less time, and resulted in shorter hospital stays for patients. However, the other factors they looked at didn’t significantly differ between surgeries performed by one or two surgeons.

The researchers conclude that having two surgeons can be beneficial, but they also point out that more studies are needed to understand whether this approach is cost-effective.

FAQs

  1. What factors were the researchers focusing on in their investigation of spinal surgeries performed by one versus two surgeons?
  2. What were the results of the research in terms of complications, duration of surgery, and patient hospital stays?
  3. Did the research conclude definitively whether having two surgeons for spinal surgery is more beneficial, and are more studies needed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to discuss the option of having two surgeons perform the surgery together. This can potentially lead to fewer complications, a shorter surgery time, and a shorter hospital stay. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about the benefits and risks of this approach to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with:

  1. Severe back or neck pain that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication
  2. Nerve compression causing symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
  3. Degenerative spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis
  4. Traumatic injuries to the spine, such as fractures or dislocations
  5. Spinal tumors or infections
  6. Failed previous spine surgery

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition. Spinal surgery is typically considered a last resort after conservative treatments have been exhausted, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s symptoms, overall health, and treatment goals.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a spine specialist to discuss symptoms and treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluations, such as MRI scans, X-rays, and blood work.
  3. Discussion with the surgeon about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
  4. Pre-operative instructions, including fasting before surgery and medication adjustments.
  5. Admission to the hospital or surgical center on the day of surgery.

After spinal surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-operative care unit to monitor vital signs and manage pain.
  2. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess healing and address any concerns.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities and work, following the surgeon’s recommendations.
  5. Long-term monitoring for any complications or recurrence of symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of spinal surgery options available for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the spinal surgery recommended for me?
  3. How will the surgery improve my symptoms and quality of life?
  4. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I do to aid in my recovery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this specific type of spinal surgery?
  7. Will there be a team of healthcare professionals assisting during the surgery, and what roles will they play?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any risks associated with it?
  9. How many surgeries of this type have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  10. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of pain relief and functional improvement?

Reference

Authors: Daher M, Kreichati G, Kharrat K, Maroun R, Aoun M, Chalhoub R, Diebo BG, Daniels AH, Sebaaly A. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2024 Aug;188:93-98. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.051. Epub 2024 May 15. PMID: 38754547