IC 104-2023: Complications - Surgeons' Worst Enemy & Best Teacher-IC 104 - Complications - Surgeons' Worst Enemy & Best Teacher (4/5)

IC 104 - Complications - Surgeons' Worst Enemy & Best Teacher (4/5)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, a surgeon discusses a case involving a 19-year-old with severe epilepsy and shoulder issues. The patient underwent multiple surgeries, including a posterior capsuloraphy and labral repairs, bone grafting, and revision surgeries. However, the patient experienced complications, including severe dislocation and seizures, leading to broken screws and failed surgery. The surgeon reflects on possible errors in judgment, such as not admitting the patient for better seizure control, and technique choices, such as using cannulated screws and a coracoid for bone grafting. The surgeon emphasizes the importance of owning up to complications and offering support to the patient and family, including the option of a second opinion. In the end, the patient eventually had a successful surgery, and the experience strengthened the trust between the surgeon and the patient's family. The key lessons learned include prioritizing seizure control, avoiding risky techniques for patients at higher risk of complications, using solid screws instead of cannulated screws, addressing bone loss, and being transparent about potential complications.

Asset Caption

Alison Toth, MD

Keywords

severe epilepsy

shoulder issues

multiple surgeries

complications

seizures