R M Redfern Consultant neurosurgeon Morriston Hospital Swansea
M 60s Amusement park owner Admitted for operation for lumbar stenosis The procedure involves removing bone and ligament from the lower spine to take pressure off nerves 3 levels in this case A fairly routine procedure Takes about 3 hours Usually in hospital 4-6 days 70-80% chance symptomatic improvement
Operation was proceeding satisfactorily but slowly due to tough bone High speed air drill used Drill bit snagged and jumped Dural membrane torn CSF rushed out A ‘knot’ of nerve roots appeared
What now? Informed theatre staff and anaesthetist Inspected nerves – one torn rootlet - remainder intact Wondered whether to abandon operation Separated nerves and covered dural tear Completed decompression Repaired dura with patch Closed wound
Explanation and apology to wife on ward Took wife to recovery to examine together Interviewed wife again Explained priorities To get through post-op period To establish extent of damage To deal appropriately with complications To co-operate fully with negligence claim Explanation and apology to patient on ward Full explanation to nursing / medical staff Reported incident to Medical Director Documentation in case notes
Paralysed left leg / weak right leg Extensive numbness over legs Perineal and scrotal numbness / anaesthesia Lax anal tone Pain in legs and at operative site
Problems with infection Clostridium difficile Incontinence / Weakness / Numbness Prolonged hospital stay Other specialists involved Urologist Lower GI surgeon..... Gradual recovery – mobility / continence / independence
Pre-operatively Establish good Doctor-Patient relationship Per-operatively Take stock of situation / Don’t panic Post-operatively Openness from outset Apologise Admit fault and explain cause Reassurance despite guarded prognosis Inform medical staff / nursing staff / Med Director Documentation in case notes Provide regular follow-up
Analyse cause Discuss with other surgeons Talk about experience to warn others Use of high speed drill? Potentially dangerous Not absolutely contraindicated Size / shape of drill bit [Another case in similar situation]