Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on patients undergoing spinal surgery in Taiwan. The researchers wanted to see if educating patients about their upcoming surgery beforehand could help to reduce their anxiety and pain levels. To do this, they split 86 patients into two groups - one that received education (the Intervention group), and another that did not (the Control group).

They found that the patients who were educated about their surgery had significantly lower levels of anxiety and pain. For example, on a scale used to measure anxiety (STAI), the average score for the Intervention group dropped from 52.67 before the education session to 47.54 just before surgery. Similarly, their pain levels decreased from an average of 6.07 to 5.28 after surgery.

So, the study concluded that educating patients about their spinal surgery beforehand can effectively reduce their anxiety and pain levels afterwards.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study conducted on patients undergoing spinal surgery in Taiwan?
  2. How did educating patients about their spinal surgery impact their levels of anxiety and pain?
  3. What was the conclusion of the study on the effects of pre-surgery education for spinal surgery patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to ask questions and seek information about the procedure. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help alleviate anxiety and prepare the patient for a smoother recovery. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and seek out resources for additional information or support.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with severe back or neck pain that is not responding to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Other common reasons for spinal surgery include disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities, spinal fractures, and spinal tumors.

In some cases, patients may also be recommended for spinal surgery if they have neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in their arms or legs that are caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Overall, spinal surgery is typically recommended for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options and are experiencing significant pain, disability, or neurological symptoms that are affecting their quality of life.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient is referred to a spine specialist by their primary care physician
  • Patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their back pain
  • Patient meets with the spine specialist to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgery preparations such as blood tests, physical exams, and possibly a consultation with an anesthesiologist
  • Patient receives education about the surgery, including what to expect during and after the procedure

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient goes through the surgical procedure, which can vary depending on the type of surgery (e.g. laminectomy, discectomy, fusion)
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the days following surgery
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to help improve strength and flexibility in the spine
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the spine specialist to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need ongoing support and care to fully recover from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of spinal surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  5. Will I need any physical therapy or follow-up appointments after surgery?
  6. What are the possible long-term effects or limitations I may experience after the surgery?
  7. What pain management options will be available to me during and after surgery?
  8. How will my condition be monitored during and after surgery to ensure optimal recovery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after surgery?
  10. Can you provide any resources or materials to help me better understand the surgical procedure and what to expect?

Reference

Authors: Lee CH, Liu JT, Lin SC, Hsu TY, Lin CY, Lin LY. Journal: Pain Manag Nurs. 2018 Apr;19(2):163-171. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2017.08.004. Epub 2017 Nov 15. PMID: 29153299