[How to avoid injuries in connection with surgery? Perioperative nerve injuries are probably underreported].

The occurrence of mechanical nerve injury in connection with anaesthesia and surgery is probably more common than generally believed, and by no means all cases are reported to the patient injury claims department. Both incorrect positioning of the patient on the operating table and pressure from retractors and other instruments can contribute to the occurrence of such injuries. Both neurological and neurophysiological procedures should be used to localise the injury, particularly for the purpose of insurance assessment. Most important of all, however, is prevention of injury. Risk minimisation is dependent on the observation of meticulous routines in surgery units, and clear division of staff responsibilities. The surgical injury rate can be monitored by means of a register of general complications.