Our Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of performing a type of kidney stone surgery, known as Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIRS), under spinal anesthesia (SA) instead of the commonly used general anesthesia (GA). The researchers looked at the outcomes of RIRS procedures done under SA and GA on patients with kidney stones between March 2008 and September 2012. They found that RIRS under SA was feasible and had similar results to RIRS under GA, with no need to switch from SA to GA during any procedure. There was also no significant difference in how many patients were free of stones, how many needed further treatments, the length of the operation, and any complications between the two groups. The researchers concluded that SA could be a suitable alternative to GA for RIRS procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is the Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIRS) procedure?
  2. What were the results of the study comparing spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) in RIRS procedures?
  3. Could spinal anesthesia be a suitable alternative to general anesthesia for RIRS procedures according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about spinal surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include instructions on physical activity, wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, spinal deformities, and tumors affecting the spine. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections 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

Patient experiences before spinal surgery:

  1. Consultation with a spine specialist to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  3. Education on the procedure, risks, and post-operative care
  4. Preparing for surgery by following pre-operative instructions, such as fasting and avoiding certain medications
  5. Arrival at the hospital or surgical center on the day of surgery and meeting with the surgical team

Patient experiences after spinal surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital or surgical center immediately following the surgery
  2. Monitoring for any complications or side effects
  3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility
  4. Pain management to control discomfort during the recovery process
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns
  6. Gradual return to normal activities and daily life as advised by the medical team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  2. What is the success rate of the specific spinal surgery being recommended for my condition?

  3. What is the recovery process like after spinal surgery and how long will it take to fully recover?

  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to spinal surgery that I should consider?

  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the spinal surgery and what are the potential side effects?

  6. How many times have you performed this specific spinal surgery and what is your success rate?

  7. What can I do to prepare for spinal surgery in terms of physical conditioning and lifestyle changes?

  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after spinal surgery and will I need any follow-up appointments or physical therapy?

  9. What are the long-term implications of spinal surgery for my overall health and well-being?

  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should take after spinal surgery to prevent complications or further injury?

Reference

Authors: Bosio A, Dalmasso E, Alessandria E, Agosti S, Pizzuto G, Peretti D, Palazzetti A, Bisconti A, Destefanis P, Fop F, Gontero P. Journal: Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2018 Jun;70(3):333-339. doi: 10.23736/S0393-2249.18.02926-0. Epub 2018 Mar 28. PMID: 29595034