How crazy is neurosurgeory

[RyanMclaughlin]

I have read a lot of things about how crazy and demanding neurosurgery is. I have a very high interest in the brain which makes me think neurosurgery would be the most rewarding. But it seems that someone who only operates on the brain and spinal cord couldnt have too many surgeries as compared to like a general surgeon. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

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[Vermian]

As a neurosurgery resident, I can attest to there being more than you are giving us credit for having. Think of the subspecialties in neurosurgery to get an idea - pediatric, vascular, skull base, functional, epilepsy, spine, the emerging critical care. Better yet - look for yourself. The most definitive collection of monographs on surgical procedure for neurosurgery is the AANS neurosurgical operative atlas (volumes 1-9). However, the more digestible Schmidek and Sweet Operative Neurosurgical Techniques (vol 1 and 2) can get you started in the variety available. Good luck with your goals.

 

[RyanMclaughlin]

Thanks. So I know you have to treat a lot of patients but like how many surgeries do you do weekly on average. Any advice you can give me is much appreciated.

 

[Vermian]

The number of surgeries done in a week is variable. It is better to look at overall numbers and variety in programs. As an example, I just spent a year on a moderately busy service with two junior residents, and I logged 200 cases for the year. This was cases that I did not do with the junior resident, and they each probably did just as many. This is also taking into account that we equally shared call (q3 for the year), and call day meant clinic day. This also does not include bedside procedures (lumbar drains, lumbar punctures, ventriculostomy drains). Yet, I have friends in other programs who have done 500 (or more) cases a year. Also, you have to keep in mind the average neurosurgical case is longer than the average general surgery case. I have been in 18+ hour cases, and most spinal instrumentation cases are 3 to 6 hours, as an average. Still, this depends on who you are working with and what cases you are doing. The "bread and butter" resident cases - evacuation of SDH/EDH, ACDF, shunt - are about 1.5 hours - sometimes longer/sometimes shorter. Hope that helps.