Our daughter is in surgery as I send this to you from my lap top. She's having a fusion for scoliosis. As the time ticks by, I can't help but wonder if the length of the operation means something bad.
Not necessarily. Spinal fusion for scoliosis is a lengthy procedure with many steps. The goal of surgery is to balance the spine in a more neutral position and get a solid fusion.
Time in the operating room can depend on the age of the patient, general health, and type of scoliosis. Patients with neuromuscular causes of scoliosis may have other complications linked with the condition before they ever go into the surgery.
For example, children with scoliosis from cerebral palsy may also suffer from a seizure disorder or chronic pneumonia. Such problems can put them at increased risk for problems during or after surgery.
Studies show that patients with idiopathic scoliosis (of unknown cause) have a lower rate of post-operative complications. But for either type of scoliosis, the length of surgery is not usually a sign of problems with the surgical procedure itself. It is more likely to occur in multicomplicated patients who require extra care and attention.
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