Our Summary

This research paper investigates which nerves are most often accidentally injured during surgeries, and which specific surgeries are most likely to cause these injuries. The study found that 11 nerves are most commonly damaged, including nerves in the arm during breast augmentation surgery, nerves in the ear during tumor removal, and nerves in the neck during thyroid surgery, among others. The paper suggests that these accidental injuries can be reduced by four main strategies: understanding that everyone’s body is a little different, visually checking for nerves during surgery, monitoring nerves during surgery, and improving the surgeon’s skills and knowledge.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common nerves accidentally injured during surgeries according to the research paper?
  2. Which specific surgeries are most likely to cause nerve injuries?
  3. What strategies does the paper suggest to reduce the occurrence of accidental nerve injuries during surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including proper lifting techniques, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending physical therapy sessions as recommended. It is important to give your body time to heal and to follow up with your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms or pain. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support your recovery and overall spinal health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with severe back pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. Other indications for spinal surgery may include spinal instability, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities, tumors, infections, or trauma. Additionally, patients with neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs may also be candidates for spinal 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.

Timeline

Before Spinal Surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a spine specialist to discuss symptoms and explore treatment options.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are performed to determine the extent of the spinal condition.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments to evaluate overall health and fitness for surgery.
  4. Patient receives pre-operative instructions regarding fasting, medication management, and other preparations.
  5. Surgery date is scheduled and patient may need to make arrangements for post-operative care and recovery.

After Spinal Surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is closely monitored for any immediate complications.
  2. Pain management is provided to help control discomfort in the immediate post-operative period.
  3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may begin soon after surgery to promote healing and restore function.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and may need to follow up with the surgeon for post-operative care.
  5. Recovery at home may involve restrictions on activities, medication management, and regular follow-up appointments.
  6. Over time, the patient may experience improvements in symptoms and function as the spine heals and strengthens.

It’s important to note that the timeline and specific experiences before and after spinal surgery can vary depending on the individual’s condition, the type of surgery performed, and other factors. It’s essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and guidelines for a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of spinal surgery is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for this type of surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. What is the surgeon’s experience and success rate with this type of surgery?
  7. What pre-operative preparations will be necessary?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What post-operative care and rehabilitation will be required?
  10. What are the potential long-term effects or complications of this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sharp E, Roberts M, Żurada-Zielińska A, Zurada A, Gielecki J, Tubbs RS, Loukas M. Journal: Clin Anat. 2021 Mar;34(2):244-262. doi: 10.1002/ca.23696. Epub 2020 Nov 12. PMID: 33090551