Patient Care During Minimally Invasive Lateral Spine Surgery

Abstract

Perioperative nurses care for patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures. One fast-growing surgical specialty is spine surgery performed using minimally invasive techniques. Patients may be candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery based on their presenting signs and symptoms and medical imaging test results. Open anterior and posterior surgical approaches to spine surgery are how surgeons traditionally have performed these procedures. However, new technology has enabled a minimally invasive lateral approach to the spine. This approach minimizes many of the risks and challenges associated with both the anterior and posterior approaches. Minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion requires the perioperative nurse to have a thorough understanding of the necessary patient positioning, spinal anatomy, and OR suite setup to ensure a safe and successful surgical experience for the patient.

The Optimal Patient Position on the Surgical Table for Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

“…Using the predictive equation derived in the present study offers several benefits. First, incorrect patient position increases the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers 16) . Therefore, decreasing pressure on the skin is crucial.…”

Knowledge, Accuracy, Precision: Requirements for the Perioperative Neurosurgical Nurse

“…In “Patient care during minimally invasive lateral spine surgery,” Dufault describes the detail required for accurate positioning of the patient to obtain the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The RN circulator plays a key role in positioning the patient and ensuring the equipment is available and is functioning properly.…”