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European Spine Journal
Published in: European Spine Journal 9/2016

Open Access 01-09-2016 | Original Article

Discussing reproductive health in spinal care, part II: fertility issues

Authors: N. S. Korse, M. P. J. Nicolai, S. Both, C. L. A. Vleggeert-Lankamp, H. W. Elzevier

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to advancing insights, discussing fertility in spinal care is an emerging topic. Studies among neurosurgeons to evaluate clinical practice about discussing fertility are non-existent. The aim of this study is to review knowledge, attitude and practice patterns regarding discussing fertility in spinal care.

Methods

Dutch neurosurgeons and residents were sent a mail-based questionnaire addressing attitude, knowledge and practice patterns regarding discussing fertility.

Results

Response rate was 62 % (compared to mean of 28 % in similar surveys) with 89 questionnaires suitable for analysis. Mean age was 42 years with 83 % of respondents being male. A quarter of respondents stated neurosurgeons are responsible to discuss fertility, with 12 % indicating to actually do this. Fertility is discussed more often with patients with cauda equina syndrome (70 %) and with men (p = 0.006). Merely 8 % of respondents stated to have adequate knowledge on fertility preservation (FP); this percentage was higher for doctors with spinal surgery as specialty (p = 0.015). In case of cauda equina syndrome, doctors with more knowledge discussed fertility more often (p = 0.002). Fifty-three percent of neurosurgeons wished to enhance their knowledge, in order to feel more comfortable to discuss fertility with their patients. Five percent indicated to have ever referred a patient to a fertility specialist.

Conclusion

With the exception of cauda equina syndrome, fertility is not routinely discussed in spinal care. Fertility is discussed more often with men. Recent guidelines state that discussing fertility is an essential part of good practice in spinal care. Education on fertility and FP needs to be integrated in the neurosurgical training program to create more awareness, and to enable clinicians to provide adequate information and care to the patient.
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Metadata
Title
Discussing reproductive health in spinal care, part II: fertility issues
Authors
N. S. Korse
M. P. J. Nicolai
S. Both
C. L. A. Vleggeert-Lankamp
H. W. Elzevier
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4502-8

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