Our Summary

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of techniques that minimize blood loss during pediatric spine deformity surgeries for patients who refuse blood transfusions due to religious beliefs, specifically among Jehovah’s Witnesses. After reviewing 20 cases from a single institution between 2014 and 2018, the researchers found that these blood conservation techniques significantly corrected spinal deformities without causing major complications. The average blood loss was relatively low, and the average hospital stay was just over five days. Three patients experienced complications after surgery, but none of these were related to the refusal of blood transfusion. The study concludes that with an experienced team, spine deformity surgery can be safely and effectively performed on pediatric patients who refuse blood transfusions.

FAQs

  1. What did the study examine about pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. What were the results of the study on techniques that minimize blood loss during pediatric spine deformity surgeries?
  3. Can spine deformity surgery be safely performed on pediatric patients who refuse blood transfusions due to religious beliefs?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and restrictions on certain activities to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Pediatric patients who have severe scoliosis and require surgical correction are typically recommended for pediatric scoliosis surgery. These patients may have significant spinal curvature, pain, breathing difficulties, or other complications related to their scoliosis. In some cases, conservative treatments such as bracing or physical therapy may not be effective in managing the curvature of the spine, and surgery may be necessary to prevent further progression of the deformity and to improve quality of life.

Timeline

  1. Patient is diagnosed with pediatric scoliosis and undergoes various non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and bracing to manage the condition.

  2. Patient and their family consult with a spine surgeon to discuss the possibility of surgery as a treatment option for severe scoliosis.

  3. Pre-operative appointments and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery.

  4. Patient undergoes pediatric scoliosis surgery, which typically involves correcting the curvature of the spine using metal rods and screws.

  5. Post-operative care includes monitoring for complications, pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to help the patient recover and regain strength.

  6. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues with follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after pediatric scoliosis surgery involves a thorough evaluation process, the surgery itself, and ongoing care and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in pediatric patients?
  3. How long is the recovery process after scoliosis surgery?
  4. Will my child need physical therapy or rehabilitation after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive procedures available for pediatric scoliosis?
  6. How experienced is the surgical team in performing scoliosis surgeries on pediatric patients?
  7. What is the average length of hospital stay for pediatric scoliosis surgery patients?
  8. How will pain management be handled post-surgery?
  9. What are the long-term effects and outcomes of scoliosis surgery in pediatric patients?
  10. How will the refusal of blood transfusions due to religious beliefs impact the surgical procedure and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Mihas A, Ramchandran S, Rivera S, Mansour A, Asghar J, Shufflebarger H, George S. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Feb 19;22(1):204. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04081-3. PMID: 33607982