ERRORS IN FACIAL NERVE SURGERY

Surgery of the facial nerve is a difficult task. It is well recognized that difficult tasks cannot be completed without error every time, even in the most capable hands. Slips can be decreased by recognizing interruptions in routine and reviewing a mental checklist before returning to the task at hand. Mistakes can be minimized through proper training emphasizing anatomical dissection, literature review and surgical exposure. Latent errors can be exposed by analyzing the surgical technique and system design for potential pitfalls. Anticipating the potential for error is key. If an error or near miss is encountered, it should serve as a ‘wake up call ’ prompting a failure mode analysis. The design of the system should be re-evaluated and modified to prevent future mishaps. Surgeons should take advantage of technology that can improve operating safety in conjunction with their surgical skills. Finally, a forum for sharing safety information related to near misses and error prevention should be established so that many can benefit from the mistakes of a few