neurosurgery /-sur″jərē/ [Gk, neuron + cheirourgia, surgery] , any surgery involving the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Brain surgery is performed to treat a wound, vascular disorders, or epilepsy; remove a tumor or foreign body; relieve pressure in intracranial hemorrhage or hydrocephaly; excise an abscess; treat parkinsonism; or relieve pain. Before surgery, diagnostic skull x-ray films, a CT, MRI, stereotactic CT or MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, ventriculogram, and/or arteriogram are done; a diagnostic electroencephalogram, lumbar tap, or brain scan may be done. A blood type and crossmatch are done. Parenteral corticosteroids are given if cerebral edema is present, and urea may be given to reduce intracranial pressure. Narcotics and hypnotics are avoided, and the nurse must confirm any that are ordered. After surgery, vital signs and changes in the level of consciousness, speech, and muscle strength are monitored closely. Any yellowish drainage from the wound may be cerebrospinal fluid and is reported immediately. Sterile dressing technique is essential. Surgery of the spine is performed to correct a defect, remove a tumor, repair a ruptured intervertebral disk, or relieve pain. After surgery, vital signs and changes in the level of consciousness, speech, and muscle strength are monitored closely. Any yellowish drainage from the wound may be cerebrospinal fluid and is reported immediately. Sterile dressing technique is essential. Surgery of the spine is performed to correct a defect, remove a tumor, repair a ruptured intervertebral disk, or relieve pain. Before surgery computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, relevant labs, and perhaps a blood type and crossmatch are done. After surgery the nurse keeps the patient’s spine in good alignment. Return of sensation and motor function are monitored carefully. Kinds of spinal surgery include fusion and laminectomy. Surgery on the peripheral nerves is performed to remove a tumor, relieve pain, or reconnect a severed nerve. After surgery the nurse observes closely the return of sensation to the area. Kinds include sympathectomy.
