Our Summary

This research paper explores the relationship between the level of hemoglobin (a protein in our blood that carries oxygen) and the amount of oxygen in the brain, in children undergoing scoliosis surgery.

The study included 92 children aged between 3 and 14 who were having surgery to correct their scoliosis, a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side. The researchers continuously monitored the level of oxygen in the children’s brains and other vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate during the surgery.

The results showed that as the level of hemoglobin decreased during surgery, the amount of oxygen in the brain also decreased. The children who had a higher level of oxygen in their brain had a significantly lower decrease in their hemoglobin level and also bled less during the surgery compared to those who had a lower level of oxygen in their brain.

In conclusion, the drop in hemoglobin level during surgery can lead to a decrease in brain oxygen. Therefore, to ensure the safety of patients during surgery, it’s important to manage their blood volume and provide timely blood and fluid replacement.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between the level of hemoglobin and the amount of oxygen in the brain according to this research?
  2. How was the level of oxygen in the children’s brains monitored during the surgery?
  3. What precautions should be taken during pediatric scoliosis surgery to ensure the safety of patients, based on the findings of this research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pediatric scoliosis surgery is to ensure they maintain a healthy level of hemoglobin before and during the surgery to help prevent a decrease in brain oxygen levels. This may involve discussing any potential risk factors with the patient, such as anemia or blood clotting disorders, and taking steps to address them prior to the surgery. It’s important for the patient to follow their doctor’s recommendations for blood and fluid replacement during the surgery to help minimize any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended pediatric scoliosis surgery are those who have a severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or affecting their quality of life. These patients may have tried other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or bracing, but have not seen significant improvement. Additionally, patients who are still growing and have a curvature that is progressing rapidly may also be recommended for surgery to prevent further complications.

It is important for patients undergoing pediatric scoliosis surgery to be carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists to determine the best course of treatment. The decision to undergo surgery is typically based on factors such as the severity of the curvature, the age of the patient, their overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Overall, pediatric scoliosis surgery is recommended for patients who have a severe curvature of the spine that is impacting their daily life and who have not seen improvement with conservative treatments. It is important for patients and their families to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare providers to make an informed decision about their treatment.

Timeline

  • Before pediatric scoliosis surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to determine the severity of the scoliosis and assess their overall health.
  3. Patient and their family meet with the surgeon to discuss the surgery, risks, and benefits, and to address any questions or concerns.
  4. Patient may undergo physical therapy or other interventions to prepare for surgery.
  • During pediatric scoliosis surgery:
  1. Patient is brought into the operating room and given anesthesia to induce sleep.
  2. Surgeon makes an incision in the back and inserts rods, screws, or other devices to straighten the spine.
  3. Surgery typically lasts several hours, during which the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored.
  4. Blood loss and fluid replacement are managed to ensure the patient’s safety.
  5. Once the surgery is complete, the patient is taken to the recovery room for further monitoring.
  • After pediatric scoliosis surgery:
  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience pain, nausea, or other side effects from the anesthesia.
  2. Patient is closely monitored for any complications, such as infection or blood clot formation.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to help with recovery and improve mobility.
  4. Patient may need to wear a brace or use assistive devices for a period of time post-surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of pediatric scoliosis surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for pediatric scoliosis?
  5. How will the surgery affect my child’s growth and development?
  6. Will my child need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any risks associated with it?
  8. How long will the surgery last and what is the expected outcome?
  9. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that my child should be aware of post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Liu L, Qiang Z, Zhang J, Ren Y, Zhao X, Fu W, Xin Z, Xu Z, Wang F, Li L, Zou N, Zhang X, Feng L, Ma S. Journal: BMC Anesthesiol. 2021 Jun 1;21(1):165. doi: 10.1186/s12871-021-01382-x. PMID: 34074238