Men are twice as likely as women to face complications and spend more time in the hospital following a spinal or brain surgery, according to findings published in this month's issue of Neurosurgery.
Researchers analyzed 918 patients between 2006 and 2009. Data from the study reveals that 20 percent of men experienced complications post-brain or spine surgery versus 11 percent of women. On average, men spent seven and a half days in the hospital, compared to the less than six days women spent.
The authors of the study believe that psychosocial, hormonal and underlying disease differences between men and women contribute to the greater likelihood of complications men may have following neurosurgery. Women potentially benefit from the "neuroprotective" effects of estrogen and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
The authors of the study believe that psychosocial, hormonal and underlying disease differences between men and women contribute to the greater likelihood of complications men may have following neurosurgery. Women potentially benefit from the "neuroprotective" effects of estrogen and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.