Virtual CME Platform for Complications Avoidance in Neurosurgery
An initiative by:
Under the aegis of:
Dr Keki Turel
Consultant Neurosurgeon Mumbai
“essential to discuss such cases and events in an open forum, unabashedly, with a view to learning from each other, and as an obligation to our patients”
Complications are an inherent part of our practice of medicine, especially with surgical specialties. Neurosurgery is the most intricate of all, and complications in this field can be truly devastating, and may not only make the patient and his/her family miserable but also tarnish the name of the neurosurgeon and the specialty at large. There are two sides of the coin of Complications – Anticipation or Prevention, and Recognition and Management. In our increasingly litigious society, it is best to make every effort to prevent them from occurring by careful attention to patient’s history and clinical examination (before jumping to the images), accurate reading of scans and other investigations, and discussing the nuances of the case, preparing detailed plan and alternatives towards its approach, execution and closure (or repair), with members of the neurosurgical and allied specialty teams. Involving the patient and his/her family in decision-making, making them allies of our plan and patient-care will lessen the ill-feeling and agitation that can possibly arise following a complication. Intra-op management of complication is often complex, and if well-planned, intra-op adverse events can be handled swiftly, and with least fuss or agony between the surgeon and his team; but in the face of unexpected events, much will depend upon the experience and wisdom of the surgeon. between the surgeon and his team; but in the face of unexpected events, much will depend upon the experience and wisdom of the surgeon. Again, it is necessary and prudent to convey such events to the patient’s family as soon as one can.
The issue of dealing with Complications in Neurosurgery is vast, and opinions diverse and even paradoxical. Social, cultural, geographical and economic factors also come into play. Hence, it is essential to discuss such cases and events in an open forum, unabashedly, with a view to learning from each other, and as an obligation to our patients. Such a forum can help us share and lighten the huge burden we carry, create consensus and even act as insulation from criticism or penal action by the authorities.
Board of Advisors
Dr Nirav Mehta
Dr Hrishikesh Sarkar
Dr Mazda Turel
Dr Shankar Athavale
Dr Smita Sharma