W
hile microdiscectomies and laminectomies are relatively
straightforward, more complex procedures like lumbar
spinal fusions at one or two levels are pushing the outpa-
tient spine envelope. And as the field grows, so does the focus on min-
imizing common problems and complications associated with spine
surgery. If you're considering adding outpatient spine surgery to your
facility, or want to expand your current services, here are 5 things you
need to know to make your cases safer.
1. Pick the right patient and the right surgeon
Preventing problems and complications starts well before the day of
surgery. In fact, a strong patient selection process is one of the best
ways to minimize the most common complications associated with
spine surgery.
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O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5
5 Keys to Safer Spine Surgery
As you take on complex spine cases, here's how to prevent
common complications.
Nitin Khanna, MD | Munster, Ind.
z COMMON CONCERNS While blood loss is the
primary concern during spinal surgery, dural tears are
a close second, especially in more complex cases.