When complex spinal reconstruction is necessary to correct a deformity, having more than one spine surgeon, Los Angeles patients can turn to, behind the wheel may benefit both the patient and the surgeons performing the procedure. It’s a new approach to performing more substantial spine procedures that has already shown promise at some medical facilities.
Three-Pronged Approach to Spine Surgery
The procedures that took place at Virginia Mason Hospital & Medical Center in Seattle involved what’s termed a three-pronged approach to spine surgery. The first step in the new approach is a preoperative screening conference to identify risks. The setup of the operating room itself is altered to include closer monitoring of bleeding during the operation. The last part of the equation is the selection of an additional surgeon.
Reduction in Patient Complications
A study on the effectiveness of the new approach to spine surgery compared patients who had surgery the new way and those who had the standard approach. Patients involved with the updated approach were three-times less likely to experience significant complications. There was also a noticeable reduction in:
- Infection rates
- Urinary tract infections
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Follow-up procedures
Benefits of an Equal Partnership
The two surgeons involved with the three-pronged approach to surgery are considered equal partners in the procedure. The selected surgeons are likely to offer complementary specialties. For instance, one may be a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the other may be a neurosurgeon.
Reducing Complication Risks
Having more than one surgeon in the operating room allows for better monitoring of the patient, which is especially important since complex spine surgeries typically involve a great risk for experiencing complications and other difficulties with the procedure itself. Patients are also more likely to have a shorter operation.
A duel approach to complex spine surgery requires careful coordination and planning. Each hospital or medical center also has a different setup with regards to how doctors’ services are delivered, with some having access to more resources than others. Advances with how some surgeries are carried out are encouraging. However, there’s still a need for patients to be as informed as possible about their possibilities before proceeding with surgery.
To learn more about surgical options for back pain relief, reach out to The Spine Institute Center by calling (310) 828-7757. We are a leader in fusion and non-fusion spine surgeries, helping patients rediscover a pain-free life. Schedule a consultation with an experienced spine specialist today.