Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Multiple operations on the same patient
1Private Practice of Neurological Surgery, Gary Roberts and Associates, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
Background:
Here, we present to practicing spine surgeons and an even broader professional audience a case in which one spine surgeon, operating in his own outpatient surgery facility, performed a staggering number of procedures or "multiple operations on the same patient" (MOSP). In the vacuum of information regarding the multiply operated patient, the authors are without any guidance or even knowledge as to whether or not MOSP is a complete aberration or occurs with some documentable frequency within the medical/surgical profession.
Case Report:
The authors report a very extraordinary case of a woman, who, between April 4, 2000, and April 17, 2002, underwent 27 operative procedures on various parts of her spine. Within this same time frame, she additionally had one operation on each shoulder and an arthroscopy of the left knee. Each operation was performed at the same outpatient spine surgery center by the same surgeon and each was accompanied by a full operative report.
Conclusions:
As there is little information regarding MOSP, future documentation and reports are required so that the extent and degree of MOSP can be better evaluated. Furthermore, it is critical to examine multiple quality concerns, including indications for surgery, examination of patients' personality traits in order to understand why one individual would subject herself to such a multitude of operations in such a short period of time, and some examination of the surgeon's motivations and practice patterns.
Insights
This case study highlights a patient who underwent 27 spinal surgeries and 3 other procedures in two years. More research is needed on multiple operations on the same patient (MOSP) to understand frequency and quality concerns.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Surgical Case Reports
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Presents a unique case of "multiple operations on the same patient" (MOSP).
- Highlights a lack of guidance and data on the frequency of MOSP in surgical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document an extraordinary case of MOSP.
- To emphasize the need for further research into MOSP.
Main Methods:
- Detailed report of a single patient undergoing 27 spinal operations and 3 additional procedures over two years.
- All operations performed by the same surgeon at an outpatient spine surgery center.
Main Results:
- A patient underwent 27 spinal surgeries, 2 shoulder operations, and 1 knee arthroscopy between April 2000 and April 2002.
- Each procedure was documented with a full operative report.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for more documentation and studies on MOSP to assess its prevalence and impact.
- Calls for examination of surgical indications, patient psychological factors, and surgeon practice patterns in MOSP cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
01:21Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
01:24Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
01:09Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications