{"id":"8b8cebfc-4248-4430-b540-f5403daef9a1","slug":"the-value-of-another-opinion-for-spinal-surgery-a-prospective-14-month-study-of-one-surgeons-experience","title":"The value of “another” opinion for spinal surgery: A prospective 14-month study of one surgeon’s experience","authors":["Francis W. Gamache"],"abstract":"Background: Neck or back problems affect approximately 80% of Americans, leading many to seek additional opinions regarding surgical recommendations. This study investigates the outcomes and patient experiences of individuals seeking surgical opinions for spinal issues. Methods: Over a 14-month period, data from 240 consecutive patients seeking surgical opinions for spine problems were prospectively collected. The study included patients with prior surgical opinions and those newly referred by primary care physicians or neurologists, with imaging studies reviewed by board-certified neuroradiologists. Results: Of the 240 patients, 155 (65%) sought second, third, or fourth opinions, with no surgery recommended in 69 (44.5%) of these cases due to improved imaging. Additionally, 37 (43%) of the 85 patients referred by primary care physicians or neurologists were also advised against surgery. Conclusion: The findings suggest that many patients seeking multiple surgical opinions may benefit from thorough evaluations and improved imaging, leading to non-surgical recommendations in a significant number of cases. Patient satisfaction was generally high, particularly regarding the quality of consultations. Keywords: spinal surgery, second opinion, patient satisfaction, neurosurgery, imaging studies, consultation quality, narcotic dependence","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/8b8cebfc-4248-4430-b540-f5403daef9a1/featured/hero-1782420987256.png","publishDate":"2012-11-26T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.103867","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://sni.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3560/SNI-3-350.pdf"}