Titanium Weck Clip left in after Decompren surgery

[mrob62]

Hi everyone. Happy New Year! First an update.I had my surgery October 2013. I had no complications. I'm doing ok. I still have some symptoms that I had before surgery,  I have some worse symptoms and new symptoms. I saw my neurosurgeon last week and I had a CINI MRI before my visit. He said I have good CSF flow and good room now.  He wants to see me back in October or before if I have any problems.

I had decompression surgery in October and my neurosurgeon left a titanium weck clip in. I'm wondering if anyone here has had one of these clips left in after decompression surgery. My operative report states that they were used to TEMPORARILY hold up the achronoid while they sutured the dura in place. It also stated that the clips were removed as the suturing of the dura was being completed. It doesn't mention anything about leaving one clip in.  I asked my neurosurgeon and he said that he usually leaves the clip in when it is mixed in with the sutures. He also said that other surgeons also do this. He said that it can't become dislodged. In the operative report it states that the clips were removed and all counts were accurate. I feel concerned because I'm not sure about having it left in. I would think that the opereative  report would have mentioned that the clip was left in if it was part of the procedure. I'm concerned that it was accidently left in. I think I need to check with another neurosurgeon and see  what his opinion is. Any feed back is appreciated.

[tlw1970]

I would get another's opinion if the report doesn't match what he said.  It can't hurt and would put your mind at ease. Hopefully someone with experience with the clip issue will respond, but I just thought I would put in my opinion I am three weeks post op and feeling great. Symptoms are almost all gone for me. Did you get immediate relief and other symptoms got worse right away?  Just wondering what to expect if things go away and then return.

[tlw1970]

BTW I did read they leave clips in for aneurysms on the Mayfield clinic site. Not sure how it relates to chiari but must be safe to leave in general.

[mrob62]

My symptoms come and go. Some of my pre surgery symptoms are less bothersome but never really went away for more than a day or two. Some are always with me. Some got worse like the electrical pain and heat in my head. And I have some new symptoms. It can take a long time to get relief from symptoms and everyone is different.  I'm glad I didn't have any complications from the surgery. I guess time will tell and I'm going to be positive that my symptoms will improve and even possibly go away. Good luck with your recovery. Thanks for replying to my post.

[selmaS]

  Hi, I deff would get another opinion and ask ur current NS for an addendum to the current OR report to show that one clip was left in or a written reason y it was omitted.....

[mrob62]

Thanks Selma. I will be getting another opinion. Not sure who I will plan to contact. I was thinking one of the Chiari Institutes. Hopefully they will agree to give me their opinion. I will also contact my NS and ask for an explanation in writing. Thanks for you advice.

[desertstorm2009]

A word of advice, BEFORE you ask for the explanation in writing, be sure you have a copy of your hospital record and verify that it has been "closed." This way it can not be altered, and any entry has to be noted as late. Lisa

[selmaS]

Thanks Lisa, would not have thought of that.....great advice !!

[JewelsB]

Hello everyone,

Im new to this site and just been diagnosed with chiari malformation type 1.  I am seeking other opinions from dr's but would really like to know what life is like after decompression surgery?  I am very active, and would just like to know what my limitations will be.  I know ultimately in the end I will have to outweigh whether getting some relief from symptoms will be better than not being able to go running or do the things I love anymore.  Please help? scared and confused.  

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

What will depend on how u do is 1- finding the right Dr 2- if ALL related conditions are ruled out B4 u consider surgery.

  Surgery is not a cure, just a means to restore CSF flow and slow progression.

From what I have seen, if u take ur time with recovery and do not rush to get back to an active lifestyle u may in time get back to many of the things  u love....get testing, rule out ALL related conditions and do rest, listen to ur body.,..and u will be fine....

Know u r not alone <3

[mrob62]

Thanks for the advice. I have requested the rest of my medical records and will look them over and then contact my NS to discuss the situation.  I did make a few calls to other Chiari specialists and am having trouble getting them to give me an opinion.  Basically I'm being told that I will have trouble getting any response on this issue because "it is unethical for a NS to give comments on another NS surgery".  All I was trying to do is see if other NS leave a clip in as part of the surgery and how safe it is. I just want to be safe and know that it's medically ok for the clip to be left in if it was an accident and not a planned part of surgery. Just wanted another medical opinion. Thanks for your advice.

[selmaS]

  As of now are u having ne issues? If so, just go to the next Dr with those issues and let them find the clip and go from there....I know a true Chiari specialist will help u after another NS 's care stops or u are not getting the care u feel u need.

[mrob62]

Thanks for the advice Selma.