The Critical Work of a Neurosurgeon: From Brain Tumors to Spinal Injuries
By: Amira Dawod
Edited by: Maya Adam
Have you ever made a mistake and thought, “This could ruin my future”? Well, this is a daily reality in a neurosurgeon’s world—where a single error could lead to death. They must obtain both a precise and accurate thoroughness to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system—both central and peripheral—working on the body’s most complex yet fragile structure.
In this article, we’ll explore how and why neurosurgery is one of the most complex jobs in medicine. We will dive into their in-depth training, the life-saving operations, and the unique risks they are willing to take. From brain tumors to spinal injuries, neurosurgeons operate at the peak of medical care. It is important to understand their role to see how it offers an insight into the mixture of science, skills, and compassion that defines modern neurosurgery.
Training
Before examining their procedures, it’s crucial to understand the extensive path to becoming a neurosurgeon—a journey that involves around fourteen years of education and training:
· First, one must complete four years of pre-medical education from attending a university or college, resulting in a bachelor's degree.
· The next degree you must achieve is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), which requires four more years of medical school.
· You will then need one year of internship in general surgery.
· Finally, you will spend 5-7 years in a postgraduate neurosurgery program.
Operations:
Now that the surgeons have their education and training, it’s time to see what they can treat, from spinal injuries to brain tumors. Let’s explore the procedure they perform and the extraordinary care they bring to each case.
It is common for you to imagine brain surgeons when you hear "neurosurgeon," but they also operate on spinal surgeries. Let’s look at when you have fractured vertebrae from high impact, for example, a car accident, a high fall, or sports injuries. What exact procedure might one go through to fix their vertebrae?
Preparation for Vertebroplasty:
Well, patients will be given a surgery called “vertebroplasty," which is, according to a Mayo Clinic article, “a treatment that injects cement into a cracked or broken spinal cord to help relieve pain." To prepare for this surgery, patients are unable to eat or drink several hours before, but don’t worry; if they have a daily medication, they can take it with a small sip of water. They are recommended to come in comfortable clothing and leave all jewelry at home. Most patients go home the same day since the surgery is only about an hour, so it is important to arrange for someone to drive them home.
During Vertebroplasty:
Before their surgery, patients will be given anesthesia to put them into a sleepless state. Then, they’ll lay face down and get some numbing shots into their skin. A special type of CT scan or X-ray is taken to guide the surgeons on where to insert the needle and to view the cement as it’s injected. Within 20 minutes, the cement will be hardened. Once the cement has hardened, the surgery is now over.
Recover from Vertebroplasty:
As was mentioned before, most patients are sent home the same day. You will be given an ice pack for where the bone fractured because it’ll be sore. After neurosurgeons check that everything went well, patients will be discharged.
Risks:
Becoming a neurosurgeon means that you will have to be able to deal with a lot of stress. Since more than half of patients come from an emergency referral, surgeons aren’t given the time they need to prepare themselves mentally and physically. Putting more stress on top of the stress given by working on an intricate structure. The burnout rate for this profession is 67%, which is reported to be double the average rate of burnout among American workers.
Also, neurosurgeons must hope that when a surgery goes wrong, they won’t get sued. Yes, you read that right. While grieving, a person might blame anyone, including the person who tried everything in their power to save their life. This profession was voted top medical specialist to get sued back in 2016 as reported in eQuote MD. Annually, 19% of neurosurgeons face at least one lawsuit, compared to 5% of all physicians.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, neurosurgeons not only had to have immense skills but also a profession rooted in dedication, endurance, and compassion. After years of intense training, neurosurgeons perform high-stakes surgeries regularly while frequently facing the extra burden of emergency calls and the possibility of legal issues. They are essential to improving medical treatment, reducing suffering, and protecting lives despite these challenges. The special combination of science, accuracy, and humanity that neurosurgeons bring to their profession is highlighted by understanding the journey, abilities, and sacrifices needed in this discipline. Their dedication is evidence of the power and influence of contemporary medicine.
Citations
What Is a Neurosurgeon? What They Do, When to See One, and What to Expect. Cleveland Clinic, www.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-neurosurgeon-what-they-do-when-to-see-one-and-what-to-expect. Accessed [Oct. 31, 2024].
2. Vertebroplasty. Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vertebroplasty/about/pac-20385248. Accessed [Nov. 1,2024].
3. Drawbacks of Being a Neurosurgeon. eQuoteMD, www.equotemd.com/drawbacks-of-being-a-neurosurgeon. Accessed [Nov 1, 2024].
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