Turkish Neurosurgery
SEVERE PERIPHERAL NERVE INJURY DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHOCK FROM A BIPOLAR FORCEPS AS AN OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD FOR A NEUROSURGEON: A SELF EXPERIENCE |
İdris Avcı1, Kemal Paksoy1, Mustafa Kürklü2, Mehmet Bozkurt7, Ahmet Heydar2, Hale Tüzün3, Ümit Dinçer4, Mehmet Emre Günaydın5, Salim Şentürk6, Onur Yaman1 |
1Üsküdar University NP Brain Hospital, Spine Center, Istanbul, 2Memorial Hospital, Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul, 3Memorial Hospital, Neurology, Istanbul, 4Memorial Hospital, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, 5Prof. Cemil Taşçıoğlu City Hospital, Neurosurgery, Istanbul, 6Academic Hospital, Neurosurgery, Istanbul, 7Private Practice, Plastic Surgery, Istanbul, |
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.48140-24.2 |
Introduction: We describe a rare instance of severe peripheral nerve injury caused by electrical shock from bipolar forceps during surgery, highlighting the challenges in treatment and recovery. This unique occupational hazard for a neurosurgeon underscores the need for awareness and strategies to address such rare incidents.
Case Presentation: A 35-year-old male neurosurgeon experienced a sudden electrical shock in his right arm while using bipolar forceps during lumbar decompression surgery. This incident led to immediate tremors, followed by intense muscle contractions and severe, unmanageable pain in the right upper extremity resulting in severe median nerve compression and brachial plexitis. Despite conservative treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, exosomes, ozone therapy, and nerve blocks, the patients symptoms persisted. He ultimately underwent surgical decompression of the median nerve and neurolysis, which resulted in pain relief and improved function.
Discussion: This case exemplifies an uncommon form of peripheral nerve injury from a closed-circuit electrical device, traditionally considered safe in surgical environments. Severe complications, such as prolonged neuropathic pain and muscle contractions, required a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative measures were initially applied, but surgical intervention was ultimately necessary to address persistent symptoms and restore function. Electrical injury from bipolar forceps presents a complex therapeutic challenge with limited precedent in medical literature. This case emphasizes the importance of early decompression in managing electrical-induced nerve compression and the potential role of adjunct therapies in optimizing outcomes. Further research is warranted to develop standardized treatment protocols for rare electrical injuries in peripheral nerve injury cases.
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Corresponding author : İdris Avcı