Our Summary

This research paper looks at the use of surgical drains during complex back surgery. The researchers conducted a study where 161 patients were either given a drain during surgery or not given a drain. They found that patients who were given a drain lost more blood during surgery and needed more blood transfusions. However, those patients who didn’t receive a drain had more fluid build up in their surgical wounds, which needed to be removed later. The research suggests that doctors need to weigh up the pros and cons of using a surgical drain during this type of surgery, taking into account blood loss, transfusion needs and wound fluid.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of the research study conducted on the use of surgical drains during complex back surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study with regards to blood loss and transfusion needs in patients who were given a drain during surgery?
  3. What were the implications of not using a drain during the surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing spinal surgery to carefully follow their post-operative instructions, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. They may also recommend engaging in physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve range of motion. It is important for the patient to communicate any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery are those who have severe back pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, difficulty walking or standing, and symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. These patients may have conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal fractures.

Patients who have tried conservative treatments for their back pain or symptoms for a significant amount of time and have not experienced relief may also be recommended for spinal surgery. Additionally, patients who have progressive neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling their bowels or bladder may be candidates for surgery to prevent further nerve damage.

Overall, the decision to recommend spinal surgery is based on the individual patient’s specific condition, symptoms, overall health, and goals for treatment. It is important for patients to discuss their options with a spine specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their particular situation.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to determine the need for surgery and assess overall health
  • Patient meets with surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and potential outcomes
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other pre-operative preparations to optimize outcomes
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient is admitted to the hospital or surgical center

During spinal surgery:

  • Patient is placed under anesthesia and surgery is performed by the surgeon
  • Surgical drains may be used to help remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical site
  • Surgery typically lasts several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure
  • After surgery, patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which can be managed with medication
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to help improve mobility and strength
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed, with some patients able to return to normal activities within a few weeks, while others may require months of recovery

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after spinal surgery involves thorough preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and a period of recovery and rehabilitation to optimize outcomes and promote healing.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be after spinal surgery?

  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?

  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential side effects?

  5. How will my pain be managed during and after the surgery?

  6. What is the success rate of this type of spinal surgery and what are the potential outcomes?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?

  8. How many times have you performed this type of spinal surgery and what is your success rate?

  9. What is the expected length of stay in the hospital after the surgery?

  10. What are the potential long-term effects or complications that could arise from this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gubin AV, Prudnikova OG, Subramanyam KN, Burtsev AV, Khomchenkov MV, Mundargi AV. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2019 Jan;28(1):146-154. doi: 10.1007/s00586-018-5791-x. Epub 2018 Oct 11. PMID: 30311037