Seoul Spine Hospital Reports Zero Anesthesia Accidents, Cites Multi-Disciplinary Approach & advanced Technology
Seoul, South Korea - Seoul Cheongdam Woori Hospital, a spine specialty hospital designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is reporting a record of zero anesthesia-related accidents, a important achievement given the high-risk nature of the practice. This comes as national data reveals alarming rates of serious injury and death linked to anesthesia, with a 2009-2018 study by the Korean Society of Hearing finding 92% of anesthesia-related medical accidents resulted in patient death or permanent damage – and 43% of those were potentially preventable with standard anesthesia protocols.
Cheongdam Woori Hospital attributes its success to a thorough system built around anesthetic pain medicine, neurology, and medical specialist consultations, coupled with investment in advanced anesthesia equipment and a strict management system.
“Our hospital has been blocking the elements that threaten patient safety through anesthetic specialist consultation system and related facility investment,” stated a hospital spokesperson.
The hospital’s approach emphasizes a multi-departmental team dedicated to patient safety throughout the entire surgical process,from anesthesia planning to post-operative recovery. During surgery, electromyography (EMG) is utilized to monitor nerve function and prevent damage.
Despite specializing in minimally invasive treatments often utilizing low general anesthesia, the hospital performs between 500 and 700 procedures and surgeries monthly. The shorter, simpler surgical processes contribute to increased safety, according to hospital officials.Cheongdam Woori Hospital also utilizes cutting-edge digital anesthesia technology, currently employed in 42 of South Korea’s 47 general hospitals. This equipment allows medical staff to monitor and manage patient conditions with greater speed and accuracy, particularly beneficial for patients with limited lung capacity, such as newborns.
Beyond anesthesia safety, the hospital has implemented a comprehensive system to prevent medical infections and maintains rigorous standards for facility and equipment management, including operating rooms and inpatient areas. The hospital also specializes in minimally invasive hemorrhage treatment, offering patients faster recovery times.
