Neurotomy

Neurotomy is a surgical method that involves cutting a nerve trunk or nerve in order to restore its functions. This procedure may be necessary for various diseases of the nervous system, such as trauma, tumors, infections and others.

Neurotomy is performed under local anesthesia and takes about one hour. After surgery, the patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the incision area. However, thanks to modern anesthesia and pain management techniques, these symptoms are usually not serious and resolve quickly.

Depending on the cause of the disease, neurotomy can be performed at different levels of the nervous system. For example, for spinal cord injuries, surgery can be performed at the level of the spinal cord, and for tumors, at the level of the brain.

The advantages of neurotomy are that it allows you to restore nerve function and improve the patient’s quality of life. Additionally, this procedure may be safer than other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

However, before undergoing a neurotomy, it is necessary to carefully evaluate all the possible risks and benefits of this procedure. It is also important to ensure that the operation is performed by a qualified surgeon with experience in this field.

Neurotomy: Surgery to relieve neurological pain

Introduction

Neurotomy, also known as neurotomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving chronic neurological pain. It is based on the principle of transverse nerve dissection, which blocks the transmission of pain signals along the nerve fibers. Neurotomy can be used to relieve pain caused by various diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, trigeminal neuralgia, and other conditions where conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief.

Neurotomy procedure

Neurotomy is performed in the operating room under local or general anesthesia, depending on the specific situation and patient preference. The surgeon makes a transverse incision in the skin near the nerve that will be cut. The surgeon then locates the nerve trunk and carefully separates it using microsurgical instruments. Dividing the nerve results in blocking the transmission of pain signals along the nerve fibers, which ultimately reduces the patient's experience of pain.

Types of Neurotomy

There are several different types of neurotomy, and the choice of a specific procedure depends on the location and nature of the pain, as well as the patient's general condition. Some of the most common types of neurotomy include the following:

1. Cryodisruption of the nerve: In this procedure, the nerve is cut using extremely low temperatures, which freezes the tissue and destroys the nerve tissue.

2. Thermal neurotomy: In this case, the nerve is destroyed using high heat, usually using high-frequency electrical current.

3. Chemical neurotomy: Instead of physically destroying the nerve, this procedure uses chemicals that block the conduction of nerve signals.

4. Radiofrequency neurotomy: This is a modern technique in which nerve tissue is destroyed using high-frequency electrical impulses sent through an electrode.

Postoperative period and effectiveness

After a neurotomy, the patient usually needs some time to recover. There may be slight pain and swelling in the surgical area, which gradually decreases over time. It is important to note that neurotomy is not a treatment for the underlying disease that is causing the pain symptoms. Its goal is to relieve pain and improve the patient's quality of life. How long pain relief lasts after neurotomy can vary depending on many factors, including the type of procedure, the individual patient, and the nature of the pain.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, neurotomy may come with certain risks and complications. Some of the possible complications include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding tissue and nerves, and possible new pain or worsening of existing pain. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their physician before deciding to have a neurotomy.

Conclusion

Neurotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving chronic neurological pain by transversely cutting a nerve. It can be an effective pain relief method used in cases where conservative treatments are not sufficiently effective. However, before deciding to have a neurotomy, its potential benefits and risks should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare professional. An individualized approach and extensive medical consultation are important aspects of the decision to undergo this procedure.

In neurosurgery - resection of the nerve trunk in order to eliminate compression, compression of a structurally altered nerve, or to perform a block that has disrupted the function of the nerve pathway. Otherwise, this operation is called neurolysis. Neurotomy consists of cutting the nerve itself, and not its sheath. The following indications exist for neurotomies:

1. Pain syndrome that affects the nerve and causes disintegration of the structures of the neurovascular bundle 2. Compression of surrounding tissues (tumors) by nerves, depriving the blood circulation of the necessary nutrition 3. Post-traumatic nerve damage