Fact 9: Surgical Endeavors – What Are the Risks?
Every surgery, irrespective of its complexity, carries inherent risks. Understanding these risks helps in making informed decisions and setting realistic post-surgery expectations for patients of Eagle Syndrome.
One of the primary concerns post any surgical procedure is the risk of infection. With a styloidectomy, the concern remains. Ensuring a sterile environment during the operation and following post-op guidelines, like taking prescribed antibiotics, are crucial to mitigating this risk.
The proximity of the elongated styloid process to several vital nerves heightens the risk of nerve damage during the procedure. While experienced surgeons exercise extreme caution, there’s still a minute possibility of unintended nerve disturbances.
Post-surgical bleeding might result in a hematoma, which is essentially a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels. This can cause discomfort and might require additional medical intervention if it doesn’t resolve on its own. (9)
