Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to determine if a specific type of anesthesia can help prevent shoulder pain that commonly occurs after a particular type of hernia surgery (laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair or TEP).

Patients undergoing this surgery were split into two groups. One group was given regular anesthesia (group 1), and the other was given a combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (group 2). The researchers then compared various factors between these two groups, such as how long the surgery took, how satisfied the patients were, how much pain they experienced, how long they stayed in the hospital, and any complications or side effects.

The study found that the group that received the combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (group 2) had significantly less shoulder pain after their surgery, both during the operation and afterwards. This was the case even though their surgeries took longer on average than those in the other group. The research concluded that this combined spinal/epidural anesthesia is a safe and effective method for preventing shoulder pain after this type of hernia surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study conducted on spinal surgery and anesthesia?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the use of combined spinal/epidural anesthesia in hernia surgery?
  3. Is combined spinal/epidural anesthesia a safe and effective method to prevent shoulder pain after laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to follow the post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team, including proper wound care, medication management, physical therapy exercises, and limitations on activities to allow for proper healing and prevent complications. It is important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are recommended spinal surgery typically have conditions that require surgical intervention to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and/or prevent further damage to the spine. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery include:

  1. Herniated disc: When a disc in the spine is damaged or bulges out of place, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

  2. Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.

  3. Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips out of place, usually due to a stress fracture. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.

  4. Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the spine.

  5. Spinal fractures: Fractures in the vertebrae can result from trauma, osteoporosis, or other underlying conditions. Surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.

  6. Spinal tumors: Tumors that develop in or around the spine may require surgical removal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

  7. Spinal deformities: Conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis, which cause abnormal curvature of the spine, may require surgery to correct the alignment and alleviate symptoms.

It is important for patients considering spinal surgery to discuss their options with a healthcare provider and weigh the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. In some cases, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be recommended before surgery is considered.

Timeline

Before the spinal surgery:

  • Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the specific procedure that will be performed
  • Pre-surgical testing is conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other treatments to prepare for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications

During the spinal surgery:

  • Patient is given anesthesia to numb the area and prevent pain during the procedure
  • Surgeon performs the spinal surgery, which may involve removing a herniated disc, stabilizing the spine, or other procedures
  • Surgery typically lasts several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure
  • Medical staff monitors the patient’s vital signs and adjusts anesthesia as needed

After the spinal surgery:

  • Patient is moved to a recovery area to wake up from anesthesia
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the surgical area, which is managed with medication
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation may begin shortly after surgery to help the patient regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is monitored for complications such as infection, blood clots, or nerve damage
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to check on the patient’s progress and address any concerns

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after spinal surgery involves preparation, surgery itself, and post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:

  1. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  2. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with spinal surgery that I should be aware of?
  3. How long is the typical recovery time after spinal surgery?
  4. What post-operative pain management options will be available to me?
  5. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  6. What are the potential side effects of the anesthesia used during the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of spinal surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of spinal surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management and rehabilitation after the surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of this type of spinal surgery for patients with similar conditions to mine?

Reference

Authors: Guzey D, Donmez T, Karabulut M, Surek A, Emir NS, Cayirci CE, Kandemir H, Hatipoglu E. Journal: Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2024 Jun 1;34(3):275-280. doi: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000001276. PMID: 38533897