Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improves return of physiological function in frail patients undergoing one- to two-level TLIFs: an observational retrospective cohort study

Assessing Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Patients With Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using a Modified Risk Analysis Index

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a comprehensive assessment of frailty for predicting neurosurgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess whether frailty, measured by a modified RAI (mRAI), was an independent predictor of adverse events (AEs), nonroutine discharge (NRD), and in-hospital mortality for patients with acute cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database. Adult patients with acute cervical SCI from 2016 to 2022 were stratified by mRAI score into 3 groups: Robust (mRAI 0-10), Frail (mRAI 11-20), and Very Frail (mRAI ≥21). Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury type, diagnostic and treatment modality, AEs, and in-hospital mortality were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of AEs, NRD, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

71 048 patients were stratified by mRAI score: 59 796 Robust (84.2%), 9558 Frail (13.5%), and 1694 Very Frail (2.4%). The proportion of SCIs secondary to a fall (Robust: 44.1% vs Frail: 70.2% vs Very Frail: 82.3%; P < .001) and AEs (Robust: 21.5% vs Frail: 24.4% vs Very Frail: 25.0%; P < .001) significantly increased with frailty. Very Frail patients experienced higher NRDs (Robust: 72.3% vs Frail: 85.2% vs Very Frail: 91.0%; P < .001) and in-hospital mortality (Robust: 10.9% vs Frail: 18.3% vs Very Frail: 29.2%; P < .001). On multivariate regression analysis, both Frail (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.25-1.61; P < .001) and Very Frail (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.46-2.99; P < .001) mRAI scores predicted NRD, but only Frail mRAI score (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.05-1.21; P = .001) was significantly associated with AEs. In addition, Frail (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.36-1.65; P < .001) and Very Frail (OR: 2.79; 95% CI: 2.36-3.29; P < .001) mRAI scores were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that mRAI may be used to assess morbidity and mortality in patients presenting with spinal cord injury.

Frailty and malnutrition as predictors of major complications following posterior thoracolumbar fusion in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The number of elderly patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD) is increasing, and posterior thoracolumbar fusion surgery is an effective treatment option, but there are often postoperative major complications, which may hinder the benefit for elderly patients. Currently, there is no consensus on the best risk assessment technique for predicting major complications in elderly patients undergoing long-segment fusion surgery.

PURPOSE

This study constructs a risk assessment model using the Modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) and serum albumin and evaluates its predictive value.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively established database of DSD.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Consecutive patients (aged 65 and older) who underwent open posterior thoracolumbar fusion surgery for DSD between April 2018 and December 2023 were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included postoperative major complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmission and reoperation within 30 days, discharge disposition, physiological function recovery.

METHODS

The study reviewed consecutive patients who underwent open posterior thoracolumbar fusion surgery for DSD. Patients were divided into three groups based on the presence or absence of frailty or frailty combined with malnutrition. Spearman ρ analysis was used to assess the correlation between mFI-5 and serum albumin levels. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to explore the relationship between frailty and malnutrition defined by mFI-5 and serum albumin and major postoperative complications. Finally, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of this model for major complications.

RESULTS

Compared to the Normal group (n=59), both the Frailty group (n=121) and the Frailty and Malnutrition group (n=50) had higher rates of major complications (21.5% vs 8.5%, p=.035; 28% vs 8.5%, p=.002). Multivariate logistic regression showed that frailty and malnutrition status, higher ASA score, and more bleeding were independent predictors of major postoperative complications. The ROC curve demonstrated that frailty combined with malnutrition defined by mFI-5 and serum albumin had a larger area under the curve compared to mFI-5 or serum albumin alone (AUC: 0.676; 95% CI: 1.101-14.129; p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to considering frailty or malnutrition alone, the combined assessment of frailty and malnutrition using mFI-5 and serum albumin is valuable in predicting major complications in elderly patients undergoing posterior thoracolumbar fusion surgery.

Application of an enhanced recovery after surgery care protocol in patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely used in several surgical fields. This meta-analysis compared the clinical outcomes of the ERAS protocol and standard care (SC) in patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the effects of the ERAS protocol on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 15 studies involving 17 865 patients were included in the final analysis. With the ERAS protocol, the length of hospitalization (SMD: - 0.47, 95% CI - 0.56 to -0.38), postoperative complications (OR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.77), operation time (SMD = - 0.26; 95% CI - 0.44 to -0.09), postoperative pain (SMD = - 0.35; 95% CI - 0.64 to -0.07) and duration of ambulation (SMD = - 0.80; 95% CI - 1.02 to - 0.58) were significantly reduced. The rates of readmission (OR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.04), estimated blood loss (SMD = - 0.31; 95% CI - 0.69 to 0.06) and hospitalization costs (SMD: - 0.56, 95% CI - 1.27 to 0.14) did not significantly differ between the ERAS and SC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis indicated that the ERAS protocol could be safely and feasibly implemented in the perioperative management of patients receiving lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The protocol significantly reduced the length of hospitalization, incidence of postoperative complications, operation time, duration of 1st ambulation and duration of postoperative pain. However, no differences were observed in estimated blood loss, readmission rates or hospitalization costs.

Impact of patient age on morbidity and mortality in adults with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: An ACS trauma quality programs database study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine associations between age and outcomes in acute cervical SCI (cSCI) patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database to compare outcomes for acute cSCI patients stratified by age: 18-44, 45-65, and > 65 years. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury type, treatment modality, AEs, and length of stay (LOS) were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of AEs, NRD, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 71,048 patients identified, 19,838 (27.9 %) were 18-44 years, 26,888 (37.8 %) were 45-65 years, and 24,322 (34.2 %) were > 65 years of age. SCI rates from falls significantly increased with age (18-44: 21.7 % vs. 45-65: 47.1 % vs. >65: 71.9 %, p < 0.001). The > 65 years cohort had significantly greater rates of NRD (18-44: 64.5 % vs. 45-65: 70.4 % vs. >65: 87.0 %, p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (18-44: 9.1 % vs. 45-65: 8.3 % vs. >65: 19.4 %, p < 0.001). Conversely, mean LOS decreased significantly with increasing age (18-44: 14.3 ± 19.1 days vs. 45-65: 12.7 ± 16.8 days vs. >65: 10.5 ± 10.9 days, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the 45-65 and > 65 years cohorts, respectively, significantly predicted any AE [1.19[ 1.11-1.27], p < 0.001; 1.18, [1.10-1.28], p < 0.001], NRD [1.41[1.29-1.5] p < 0.001; 3.46[ 3.07-3.90], p < 0.001], and in-hospital mortality [1.90[1.69-2.14] p < 0.001; 5.22[4.59-5.93], p < 0.001]. Regarding treatment modalities, cervical fusion was associated with AEs (p < 0.001), cervicothoracic fusion with AEs (p = 0.024) and NRD (p = 0.005), and excision/release (laminectomy) with NRD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that older age is associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk in acute cSCI patients.

Enhanced recovery pathway in adult patients with spinal deformity undergoing open thoracolumbar surgery

PURPOSE

The poor prognosis of adult patients with spinal deformity following long-segment spinal fusion surgery remains a major concern. Our study aims to investigate the impact of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on the prognosis of adult patients with spinal deformity.

METHODS

This study focused on a retrospective review of a database of previous adult spinal deformity. Adult patients with spinal deformity who underwent long-segment fusion surgery from July 2016 to July 2022 were evaluated, from July 2016 to July 2019 for the pre-ERAS patient group and from July 2019 to July 2022 for the ERAS group. Demographic data, radiological sagittal parameters, and intraoperative data were collected from all patients. The length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and 90-day readmission rates were compared between the two groups. Additionally, multivariate regression models were used to analyze the predictors of postoperative length of stay, postoperative complications, and 90-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

A total of 215 patients were included in this study, 102 patients in the pre-ERAS group and 113 patients in the ERAS group. Postoperative outcomes in the ERAS group included significantly lower postoperative length of stay (LOS) (13.09 ± 4.57 vs. 11.13 ± 4.16, P = 0.001); significantly lower rate of postoperative complications (52.0% vs. 29.2%, P < 0.001) and significantly lower 90-day readmission rates (14.7% vs. 6.19%, P = 0.040). Multivariate linear regression showed that fewer ERAS (P = 0.022), later drain placement (P = 0.027), and more complications (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with longer postoperative LOS. Multivariate logistic regression showed that fewer ERAS (P = 0.015) and later drain removal (P = 0.041) were significantly associated with more complications, and more ERAS (P = 0.009), earlier postoperative LOS (P = 0.020), and earlier urinary catheter removal (P = 0.034) were significantly associated with the 90-day readmission rates.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of our study, it is necessary to implement an ERAS protocol for adult patients with spinal deformity undergoing long-segment fusion surgery. The ERAS protocol is effective in reducing postoperative hospital length of stay, incidence of surgical complications, and 90-day readmission rates.

Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Instrumentation of the spine has a long history with the advent and eventual evolution of a number of devices, specifically the pedicle screw which is the primary method of instrumenting the thoracolumbar spine. Traditionally, these were placed using anatomical landmarks; however, as technology has advanced, we have seen the integration of fluoroscopy, navigation, and now robotics for assistance. The integration of robotics into spine surgery has led to increased research and industry investment, which continues to push this promising new technology forward. This paper provides an overview of the robotic arm's effects on surgical outcomes, explores the revolutionary technology behind its remarkable performance, and describes its use in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion which maximizes efficiency.

Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Perioperative Pain Management and Opioid Requirement in Abstinent Tobacco Smokers Undergoing Spinal Fusion: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Smoking negatively impacts postoperative outcomes but acute abstinence from smoking during hospitalization can increase postoperative pain, lower pain thresholds, disrupt pain management, and trigger hyperalgesia due to abrupt nicotine withdrawal in tobacco users. Nicotine replacement therapy has been recommended to minimize these complications. We hypothesized that a high dose (21 mg/24 h) transdermal nicotine (TDN) patch would reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirements.

METHODS

One hundred abstinent tobacco smokers undergoing single-level spinal fusion were randomized into placebo (n=50) and nicotine treatment (n=50) groups. Placebo and TDN patches were applied 24 hours before surgery until 48 hours after surgery. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores and opioid (morphine) consumption, and serum nicotine levels. The relationship between daily tobacco use and pain and opioid requirements, and between serum nicotine levels and morphine consumption, were assessed.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain scores at rest and on movement were lower in the nicotine group than in the placebo group at 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.05). Postoperative morphine consumption was lower in the nicotine group than in the placebo group (9.92 ± 4.0 vs. 15.9 ± 5.0 mg, respectively; P=0.0002). There was a positive correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and postoperative pain scores at rest (r = 0.4553; P = 0.0001) and during movement and a negative correlation between serum nicotine concentration and postoperative morphine consumption (r =-0.3664; P = 0.0089).

CONCLUSIONS

TDN patches (21 mg/24 h) reduced postoperative pain and opioid requirements in abstinent tobacco smokes undergoing spinal fusion.

Enhanced recovery after surgery pathway reduces back pain, hospitalization costs, length of stay, and satisfaction rate of lumbar tubular microdiscectomy: A retrospective cohort study

Tubular microdiscectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for microdiscectomy in improving perioperative clinical outcomes in patients with LDH. This study retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected perioperative outcomes of patients in pre-ERAS (January 2020 to December 2021) and post-ERAS (January 2022 to September 2023) groups. Length of stay was the primary outcome measure, while secondary outcome measures included operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative first ambulation time, postoperative drainage volume, drainage tube removal time, complication rate, hospitalization cost, perioperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for leg pain and low back pain (LBP), readmission rate within 30 days, and patient satisfaction rate. No significant differences in baseline parameters, including sex, age, body mass index, preoperative VAS scores for leg pain and LBP, and comorbidities, were observed between the groups. Additionally, operative time, complication rates, and 30-day readmission rates did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the post-ERAS group exhibited significantly lower length of stay compared to the pre-ERAS group (5.1 ± 1.2 vs 6.2 ± 1.6, P < .001). Additionally, the estimated blood loss (P < .001), drainage tube removal time (P < .001), postoperative drainage volume (P = .002), postoperative first ambulation time (P < .001), and hospitalization costs (P = .032) in the post-ERAS group were significantly lower in the pre-ERAS group. Furthermore, the LBP VAS score was significantly lower on the first day (P = .001) and third days (P = .002) postoperatively in the post-ERAS group, whereas the patient satisfaction rate on the first day (P = .036) postoperatively was significantly higher in the pre-ERAS group. Compared with the conventional pathway, the ERAS pathway in tubular microdiscectomy is associated with better perioperative clinical outcomes in patients with LDH.

Preoperative Nutritional Status Screened by MNA-SF Predicts Major Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Purpose

To investigate the role of Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) in predicting postoperative complications in older patients (≥75 years) undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

Patients and Methods

Patients who had undergone posterior lumbar fusion surgery between June 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Those with an MNA-SF score of 12 or higher were categorized as the Nourished group, while those with a score less than 12 were placed in the Malnutrition-Risk group. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables between groups were compared. Patients were then re-classified based on the presence of major complications, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for major complications.

Results

A total of 240 patients were enrolled, with 182 in the Nourished group and 58 in the Malnutrition-Risk group. The Malnutrition-Risk group exhibited a higher incidence of major complications (46.6% vs 23.1%, p = 0.001) and comprehensive complications index (18.42 ± 18.00 vs 12.65 ± 15.87, p = 0.021), Oswestry Disability Index (27.52 ± 23.44 vs 20.45 ± 20.42, p = 0.029) and longer recovery times (12.53 days vs 10.15 days, p =0.033). Length of stay (LOS) were also increased in the Malnutrition-Risk group (19.22 ± 10.67 vs 16.04 ± 7.69, p = 0.014). Multiple regression analysis identified nutritional risk and malnutrition, as assessed by MNA-SF, as independent factors associated with postoperative major complications (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.42-5.53, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Preoperative nutritional risk or malnutrition is an independent risk factor for major complications among older patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgery. The MNS-SF emerges as a convenient and effective tool for promptly screening the nutritional status of older patients, prompting subsequent nutritional evaluation or intervention before surgery.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improves outcomes in elderly patients undergoing short-level lumbar fusion surgery: a retrospective study of 333 cases

BACKGROUND

Degenerative lumbar disease significantly impairs the quality of life in elderly individuals, with short-segment lumbar degenerative disease being particularly prevalent. When conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgical intervention becomes the optimal choice for managing lumbar disease. The implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in spinal surgery has been progressively refined, leading to greater patient benefits. However, age and the associated decline in physiological function remain critical factors influencing surgical decision-making. Currently, there is a paucity of research focused on elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery to substantiate that advanced age does not diminish the benefits derived from ERAS in this demographic.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent short-segment (1 or 2 segments) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) under the care of the same surgical team at our institution were recruited, and divided into no-ERAS-elder, ERAS-elder, and ERAS-younger groups. Subsequently, time to physiological function recovery and other outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the ERAS-elder group (n = 113) and the no-ERAS-elder group (n = 120) were compared. The overall physiological function recovery was significantly faster (6.71 ± 2.6 days vs. 8.6 ± 2.67 days, p = 0.01) in the ERAS-elder group. Next, the outcomes of the ERAS-elder group (n = 113) were compared with those of the ERAS-younger group (n = 100), and no significant difference in total physiological function recovery was found between the two groups (6.71 ± 2.6 days vs. 6.14 ± 1.63 days, p = 0.252).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the implementation of the ERAS program can effectively shorten the recovery time of physiological function in elderly patients after short-segment lumbar surgery, reduce the incidence of some complications, alleviate pain, and significantly shorten the length of hospital stay. ERAS enables elderly patients to achieve outcomes comparable to those of younger patients.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in One- or Two-Level Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Improving Postoperative Outcomes

Background/Objectives: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols optimize perioperative care and improve recovery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ERAS in one- or two-level posterior lumbar fusion surgeries, focusing on perioperative medication use, pain management, and functional outcomes. Methods: Eighty-eight patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery between March 2021 and February 2022 were allocated into pre-ERAS (n = 41) and post-ERAS (n = 47) groups. Outcomes included opioid and antiemetic consumption, pain scores (numerical rating scale (NRS)), functional recovery (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D)), and complication rates. Pain was assessed daily for the first four postoperative days and at 6 months. Linear Mixed Effects Model analysis evaluated pain trajectories. Results: The post-ERAS group showed significantly lower opioid (p = 0.005) and antiemetic (p < 0.001) use. No significant differences were observed in NRS pain scores in the first 4 postoperative days. At 6 months, the post-ERAS group reported significantly lower leg pain (p = 0.002). The time:group interaction was not significant for back (p = 0.848) or leg (p = 0.503) pain. Functional outcomes at 6 months, particularly ODI and EQ-5D scores, showed significant improvement in the post-ERAS group. Complication rates were lower in the post-ERAS group (4.3% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.024), while hospital stay and fusion rates remained similar. Conclusions: The ERAS protocol significantly reduced opioid and antiemetic use, improved long-term pain management and functional recovery, and lowered complication rates in lumbar fusion patients. These findings support the implementation of ERAS protocols in spinal surgery, emphasizing their role in enhancing postoperative care.

Frailty, Myelopathy, and Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Patients Undergoing Posterior Cervical Fusion

BACKGROUND

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a proven method to improve postsurgical outcomes. While recent studies have shown the benefit of ERAS even in frail patient populations, myelopathy is another factor affecting outcomes in patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion (PCF). This study evaluated the benefit of an ERAS protocol in frail patients undergoing PCF.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified consecutive patients undergoing PCF by a single surgeon from August 2015-July 2021, with implementation of ERAS in December 2018. Outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), nonhome discharge disposition, complications, return of physiologic function, and severe pain score. A mFI-5 score of ≥ 2 and a Nurick score of ≥ 3 defined frail and myelopathic patients, respectively. Univariate analysis (P < 0.05) and multivariate analyses using mixed-effect models (P < 0.0125) were performed.

RESULTS

There were a total of 174 patients, 71 frail (41%). Of the frail patients, 61% were also myelopathic, and 56% underwent ERAS. Of the nonfrail patients, 43% were myelopathic, and 57% underwent ERAS. On univariate analyses, frail patients with ERAS had less drains placed (P < 0.0001), decreased urinary retention (P = 0.0002), decreased LOS (P = 0.013), and were less likely to have a nonhome discharge (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, LOS (P = 0.0003), time to return of physiologic function (P = 0.004), complications (P = 0.001), and nonhome discharges (P < 0.0001) were decreased with ERAS, irrespective of groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS is an effective protocol in PCF patients that may expedite return of physiologic function, lessen LOS, decrease the number of nonhome discharges, and reduce complications, irrespective of frailty or myelopathy status.

The Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Spine Surgery in High and Low/Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this review article, we explore the implementation and outcomes of enhanced recovery after spine surgery (spine ERAS) across different World Bank country-income levels. A systematic literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for articles on the implementation of spine ERAS in both adult and pediatric populations. Study characteristics, ERAS elements, and outcomes were analyzed and meta-analyses were performed for length of stay (LOS) and cost outcomes. The number of spine ERAS studies from low-middle-income countries (LMICs) increased since 2017, when the first spine ERAS implementation study was published. LMICs were more likely than high-income countries (HICs) to conduct studies on patients aged ≥18 years (odds ratio [OR], 6.00; 95% CI, 1.58-42.80), with sample sizes 51 to 100 (OR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.21-22.90), and randomized controlled trials (OR, 7.25; 95% CI, 1.77-53.50). Preoperative optimization was more frequently implemented in LMICs than in HICs (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.06-4.41), and operation time was more often studied in LMICs (OR 3.78; 95% CI, 1.77-8.35). Implementation of spine ERAS resulted in reductions in LOS in both LMIC (-2.06; 95% CI, -2.47 to -1.64 d) and HIC (-0.99; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.70 d) hospitals. However, spine ERAS implementation did result in a significant reduction in costs. This review highlights the global landscape of ERAS implementation in spine surgery, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing LOS across diverse settings. Further research with standardized reporting of ERAS elements and outcomes is warranted to explore the impact of spine ERAS on cost-effectiveness and other patient-centered outcomes.

The Impact of Improved Compliance With Enhanced Recovery After Surgery on Frail Patients Undergoing Multi-Level Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Diseases

Background

Patients with frailty are more prone to have perioperative adverse events, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely adopted to improve perioperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of improved compliance with ERAS on perioperative outcomes in frail patients.

Methods

Geriatric patients (over 65 years) who underwent multi-level lumbar fusion surgery between June 2017 and June 2022 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to their degree of compliance with the ERAS. Stepwise nearest-neighbor propensity score matching 1:1 cohorts for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classfication and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was performed between groups, namely frail-compliant (FC), frail-noncompliant (FN). Further length of stay (LOS), complications and clinical efficacy were compared between groups.

Results

There were 83 pairs of well-balanced patients with comparable clinical baseline data. It was worth noting that patients in FC group has significant lower overall complications (20.5% in the FC group vs 39.8% in the FN group, P = 0.007), major complications (7.2% in the FC group vs 19.3% in the FN group, P = 0.022) and shorter LOS (11.18 ± 5.32 in the FC group vs 14.45 ± 4.68 in the FN group, P < 0.001) than patients in FN group. In addition, the initial occurrence of ambulation (2.14 ± 1.21 in FC group vs 3.18 ± 1.73 in FN group, P = 0.012) and bowel movement (3.68 ± 1.24 in FC group vs 4.17 ± 1.32 in FN group, P = 0.031) were earlier for patients in FC group than patients in FN group. With regard to clinical efficacy, there were no significant difference between FC and FN group in terms of patients who meet minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at postoperative day (POD) 30, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back at POD 30-90 and VAS for legs at POD 30, 90, and 180 follow-up intervals. However, there were significant more patients meeting MCID for ODI at POD 90 and180, and VAS for back at POD 180 between FC and FN group.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, we found that frail patients with higher ERAS adherence group had a lower incidence of overall complication, mjor complications, and a shorter LOS than their lower ERAS adherence counterparts. In addition, frail patients with higher ERAS adherence had earlier ambulatioin and bowel movement. More importantly, we found there were significant more patients meeting MCID for ODI at POD 90 and180, and VAS for back at POD 180 in higher ERAS adherence than their lower counterparts.

The impact of frailty on clinical outcomes of older patients undergoing enhanced recovery after lumbar fusion surgery: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is recognized as a surrogate for physiological age and has been established as a valid and independent predictor of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and complications. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can enhance surgical safety by minimizing stress responses in frail patients, enabling surgeons to discharge patients earlier. However, the question of whether and to what extent the frailty impacts the post-ERAS outcomes in older patients remains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An evidence-based ERAS program was implemented in our center from January 2019. This is a prospective cohort study of patients aged ≥75 years who underwent open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spine disease from April 2019 to October 2021. Frailty was assessed with the Fried frailty scale (FP scale), and patients were categorized as non/prefrail (FP 0-2) or frail (FP ≥ 3). The preoperative variables, operative data, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up information were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for 90-day major complications and prolonged length of hospital stay after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 245 patients (age of 79.8±3.4 year) who had a preoperative FP score recorded and underwent scheduled TLIF surgery were included in the final analysis. Comparisons between nonfrail and prefrail/frail patients revealed no significant difference in age, sex, and surgery-related variables. Even after adjusting for multiple comparisons, the association between Fried frailty and ADL-dependency, IADL-dependency, and malnutrition remained significant. Preoperative frailty was associated with increased rates of postoperative adverse events. A higher CCI grade was an independent predictor for 90-day major complications, while Fried frailty and MNA-SF scores <12 were predictive of poor postoperative recovery.

CONCLUSION

Frail older patients had more adverse post-ERAS outcomes after TLIF compared to non/prefrail older patients. Continued research and multidisciplinary collaboration will be essential to refine and optimize protocols for surgical care in frail older adults.

Transforming Outcomes of Spine Surgery-Exploring the Power of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of 15 198 Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize patient outcomes by reducing the surgical stress response, expediting recovery, and reducing care costs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing ERAS protocols on the perioperative surgical outcomes and financial implications associated with spine surgeries.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies directly comparing outcome differences between spine surgeries performed with and without utilization of ERAS pathways was conducted along Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Of 676 unique articles identified, 59 with 15 198 aggregate patients (7748 ERAS; 7450 non-ERAS) were included. ERAS-treated patients had shorter operative times (mean difference [MD]: 10.2 mins; P < .01), shorter hospitalizations (MD: 1.41 days, P < .01), fewer perioperative complications (relative risk [RR] = 0.64, P < .01), lower postoperative opioid use (MD of morphine equivalent dose: 164.36 mg; P < .01), and more rapid mobilization/time to first out-of-bed ambulation (MD: 0.92 days; P < .01). Spine surgeries employing ERAS were also associated with lower total costs (MD: $1140.26/patient; P < .01), especially in the United States (MD: $2869.11/patient, P < .01) and lower postoperative visual analog pain scores (MD = 0.56, P < .01), without any change in odds of 30-day readmission (RR: 0.80, P = .13) or reoperation (RR: 0.88, P = .60). Subanalyses based on the region of spine showed significantly lower length of stay in both cervical and lumbar surgeries implementing ERAS. Type of procedure showed a significantly lesser time-to-initiate mobilization in fusion surgeries using ERAS protocols compared with decompression.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis indicates that current literature supports ERAS implementation as a means of reducing care costs and safely accelerating hospital discharge for patients undergoing spine surgery.

Implications of Frailty on Postoperative Health Care Resource Utilization in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery for Spinal Fractures

OBJECTIVE

The rise of spinal surgery for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) necessitates balancing health care costs with quality patient care. Frailty has been independently associated with adverse outcomes and increased costs. This study investigates whether frailty is an independent predictor of poor outcomes after elective surgery for AS.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a retrospective study was conducted on adult patients with AS who underwent posterior spinal fusion for fracture between 2016 and 2019. Each patient was assigned a modified frailty index (mFI) score and categorized as prefrail (mFI = 0 or 1), moderately frail (mFI = 2), and highly frail (mFI≥3). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of extended length of stay, non-routine discharge (NRD), and exorbitant admission costs.

RESULTS

Of the 1910 patients, 35.3% were prefrail, 31.2% moderately frail, and 33.5% highly frail. Age was significantly different across groups (P < 0.001), and frailty was associated with increased comorbidities (P < 0.001). Mean length of stay (P = 0.007), NRD rate (P < 0.001), and mean cost of admission (P = 0.002) all significantly increased with increasing frailty. However, frailty was not an independent predictor of extended hospital stay, NRD, or higher costs on multivariate analysis. Instead, predictors included multiple adverse events, number of comorbidities, and race.

CONCLUSIONS

While frailty in patients with AS is associated with older age, greater comorbidities, and increased adverse events, it was not an independent predictor of extended hospital stay, NRD, or higher hospital costs. Further research is required to understand the full impact of frailty on surgical outcomes and develop effective interventions.

Changes in frailty among patients hospitalized for spine pathologies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany-a nationwide observational study

PURPOSE

In spine care, frailty is associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe changes in frailty in spine care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and their relation to surgical management and outcomes.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized for spine pathologies between January 1, 2019, and May 17, 2022, within a nationwide network of 76 hospitals in Germany were retrospectively included. Patient frailty, types of surgery, and in-hospital mortality rates were compared between pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.

RESULTS

Of the 223,418 included patients with spine pathologies, 151,766 were admitted during the pandemic and 71,652 during corresponding pre-pandemic periods in 2019. During the pandemic, the proportion of high-frailty patients increased from a range of 5.1-6.1% to 6.5-8.8% (p < 0.01), while the proportion of low frailty patients decreased from a range of 70.5-71.4% to 65.5-70.1% (p < 0.01). In most phases of the pandemic, the Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) showed larger increases among high compared to low frailty patients (by 0.2-1.8 vs. 0.2-0.8 [p < 0.01]). Changes in rates of spine surgery were associated with frailty, most clearly in rates of spine fusion, showing consistent increases among low frailty patients (by 2.2-2.5%) versus decreases (by 0.3-0.8%) among high-frailty patients (p < 0.02). Changes in rates of in-hospital mortality were not associated with frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of high-frailty patients increased among those hospitalized for spine pathologies in Germany. Low frailty was associated with a rise in rates of spine surgery and high frailty with comparably larger increases in rates of comorbidities.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram to predict the risk of the prolonged postoperative length of stay for lumbar spinal stenosis patients

BACKGROUND

Lumber spinal stenosis (LSS) is the increasingly reason for spine surgery for elder patients since China is facing the fastest-growing aging population. The aim of this research was to create a model to predict the probabilities of requiring a prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS) for lumbar spinal stenosis patients, minimizing the healthcare burden.

METHODS

A total of 540 LSS patients were enrolled in this project. The outcome was a prolonged PLOS after spine surgery, defined as hospitalizations ≥ 75th percentile for PLOS, including the day of discharge. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to identify independent risk variables related to prolonged PLOS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to generate a prediction model utilizing the variables employed in the LASSO approach. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve's area under the curve (AUC) and the calibration curve's respective curves were used to further validate the model's calibration with predictability and discriminative capabilities. By using decision curve analysis, the resulting model's clinical effectiveness was assessed.

RESULTS

Among 540 individuals, 344 had PLOS that was within the usual range of P75 (8 days), according to the interquartile range of PLOS, and 196 had PLOS that was above the normal range of P75 (prolonged PLOS). Four variables were incorporated into the predictive model, named: transfusion, operation duration, blood loss and involved spine segments. A great difference in clinical scores can be found between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the development set, the model's AUC for predicting prolonged PLOS was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.768-0.859), while in the validation set, it was 0.830 (95% CI: 0.753-0.881). The calibration plots for the probability showed coherence between the expected probability and the actual probability both in the development set and validation set respectively. When intervention was chosen at the potential threshold of 2%, analysis of the decision curve revealed that the model was more clinically effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The individualized prediction nomogram incorporating five common clinical features for LSS patients undergoing surgery can be suitably used to smooth early identification and improve screening of patients at higher risk of prolonged PLOS and minimize health care.

Association between early ambulation exercise and short-term postoperative recovery after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a single center retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Early ambulation in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery is recommended, however, the precise time interval after open surgery has never been specified. Current retrospective analysis was conducted aiming to clarify an accurate time interval.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of eligible patients was conducted using the databases of the Bone Surgery Department, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2016 to 2021. Data pertaining to postoperative hospital stay length, expenses, incidence of complications were extracted and compared using Pearson's χ2 or Student's t-tests. A multivariate linear regression model was conducted to identify the relationship between length of hospital stay (LOS) and other outcomes of interest. A propensity analysis was conducted to minimize bias and to evaluate the reliability of results.

RESULTS

A total of 303 patients met the criteria and were included for the data analysis. Multivariate linear regression results demonstrated that a high ASA grade (p = 0.016), increased blood loss (p = 0.003), cardiac disease (p < 0.001), occurrence of postoperative complications(p < 0.001) and longer ambulatory interval (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with an increased LOS. The cut-off analysis manifested that patients should start mobilization within 3 days after open TLIF surgery (B = 2.843, [1.395-4.292], p = 0.0001). Further comparative analysis indicated that patients who start ambulatory exercise within 3 days have shorter LOS (8.52 ± 3.28d vs 12.24 ± 5.88d, p < 0.001), total expenses ( 9398.12 ± 2790.82vs 10701.03 ± 2994.03 [USD], p = 0.002). Propensity analysis revealed such superiority was stable along with lower incidence of postoperative complications (2/61 vs 8/61, p = 0.0048).

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis suggested that ambulatory exercise within 3 days for patients who underwent open TLIF surgery was significantly associated with reduced LOS, total hospital expenses, and postoperative complications. Further causal relationship would be confirmed by future randomized controlled trials.

Prevalence and Influence of Frailty on Hospital Outcomes After Surgical Resection of Spinal Meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Frailty has been shown to affect patient outcomes after medical and surgical interventions. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is a growing metric used to assess patient frailty using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of frailty, assessed by HFRS, on health care resource utilization and outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for spinal meningiomas.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database. Adult patients with benign or malignant spinal meningiomas, identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, were stratified by HFRS: low frailty (HFRS <5) and intermediate-high frailty (HFRS ≥5). Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, procedural variables, adverse events, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and cost of admission were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of increased LOS, discharge disposition, and cost.

RESULTS

Of the 3345 patients, 530 (15.8%) had intermediate-high frailty. The intermediate-high cohort was significantly older (P < 0.001). More patients in the intermediate-high cohort had ≥3 comorbidities (P < 0.001). In addition, a greater proportion of patients in the intermediate-high cohort experienced ≥1 perioperative adverse events (P < 0.001). Intermediate-high patients experienced greater mean LOS (P < 0.001) and accrued greater costs (P < 0.001). A greater proportion of intermediate-high patients had nonroutine discharges (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, increased HFRS (≥5) was independently associated with extended LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.04; P < 0.001), nonroutine discharge (aOR, 1.98; P = 0.006), and increased costs (aOR, 2.39; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty may be associated with increased health care resource utilization in patients undergoing surgery for spinal meningiomas.

Fast-track protocols for patients undergoing spine surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Fast-track is an evidence-based multidisciplinary strategy for pre-, intra-, and postoperative management of patients during major surgery. To date, fast-track has not been recognized or accepted in all surgical areas, particularly in orthopedic spine surgery where it still represents a relatively new paradigm.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review was provided an evidenced-based assessment of specific interventions, measurement, and associated outcomes linked to enhanced recovery pathways in spine surgery field.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review in three databases from February 2012 to August 2022 to assess the pre-, intra-, and postoperative key elements and the clinical evidence of fast-track protocols as well as specific interventions and associated outcomes, in patients undergoing to spine surgery.

RESULTS

We included 57 full-text articles of which most were retrospective. Most common fast-track elements included patient's education, multimodal analgesia, thrombo- and antibiotic prophylaxis, tranexamic acid use, urinary catheter and drainage removal within 24 hours after surgery, and early mobilization and nutrition. All studies demonstrated that these interventions were able to reduce patients' length of stay (LOS) and opioid use. Comparative studies between fast-track and non-fast-track protocols also showed improved pain scores without increasing complication or readmission rates, thus improving patient's satisfaction and functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the review results, fast-track seems to be a successful tool to reduce LOS, accelerate return of function, minimize postoperative pain, and save costs in spine surgery. However, current studies are mainly on degenerative spine diseases and largely restricted to retrospective studies with non-randomized data, thus multicenter randomized trials comparing fast-track outcomes and implementation are mandatory to confirm its benefit in spine surgery.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes in frail patients following multilevel lumbar fusion surgery with and without the implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based multimodal perioperative management designed to reduce the length of stay (LOS) and complications. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the recovery of physiological function, LOS, complications, pain score, and clinical efficacy in frail elderly patients undergoing multisegment fusion surgery after the implementation of the ERAS protocol.

METHODS

Frail patients older than 75 years undergoing multilevel lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative discogenic conditions, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar spondylolisthesis from January 2017 to December 2018 (non-ERAS frail group) and from January 2020 to December 2021 (ERAS frail group) were enrolled in the present study. Propensity score matching for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status was performed to keep comparable characteristics between the two groups. Further recovery of physiological function, LOS, complications, pain score, and clinical efficacy were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There were 64 pairs of well-balanced patients, and the clinical baseline data were comparable between the two groups. There was significant improvement in terms of recovery of physiological function (10.65 ± 3.51 days vs. 8.31 ± 3.98 days, p = 0.011) and LOS (12.18 ± 4.69 days vs. 10.44 ± 4.60 days, p = 0.035), while no statistical discrepancy was observed with regard to complications between the groups, which indicated favorable outcomes after the implementation of the ERAS protocol. Further analysis indicated that more patients were meeting a minimally clinical important difference for the visual analog score for the legs and the Oswestry Disability Index in the ERAS frail group. With regard to postoperative pain, the score was higher in the ERAS frail group than in the non-ERAS frail group on postoperative day (POD) 1 (4.88 ± 1.90 in the ERAS frail group vs. 4.27 ± 1.42 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.042), while there was no significant discrepancy on POD 2 (3.77 ± 0.88 in the ERAS frail group vs. 3.64 ± 1.07 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.470) and POD 3 (3.83 ± 1.89 in the ERAS frail group vs. 3.47 ± 1.75 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.266).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort study, we found a significant improvement in terms of LOS, recovery of physiological function, and clinical efficacy after the implementation of the ERAS protocol in elderly and frail patients undergoing multilevel lumbar fusion surgery, while there was no significant discrepancy with regard to complications, 90-day readmission, and postoperative pain.

The Impact of Frailty on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Receiving Short-Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Stepwise Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

There are many studies on the impact of frailty on postoperative complications; however, there are few studies focusing on stepwise propensity score matching (PSM) to offset the influence of age.

Methods

We gathered data for patients undergoing short-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion from January to December 2021. According to the Fried frailty phenotype, we categorized patients into non-frail, pre-frail, and frail groups, then, stepwise PSM for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and fusion levels were performed to keep comparable clinical data between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the impact of clinical demographics on postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 559 consecutive patients with complete medical records were enrolled (237 males and 322 females; mean age 72.55 ± 5.86 years). After PSM, we found that pre-frail patients were more vulnerable to develop urinary retention (p = 0.031) and surgical site infections (p = 0.021) than non-frail patients. Longer length of stay (LOS), delayed ambulation and removal of urinary catheter times were observed in pre-frail patients. However, there was a significant difference only in LOS between pre-frail and frail patients. Binary logistic regression revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and frail status were independently associated with postoperative complications between non-frail and pre-frail patients, while only CRP was independently correlated with complications between pre-frail and frail patients.

Conclusion

After PSM, we found higher rates of urinary retention and surgical site infections in pre-frail patients than in non-frail patients. CRP was independently related to postoperative complications, while frail status was only independently associated with postoperative complications between pre-frail and non-frail patients. Pre-frail/frail patients tended to have more severe stress responses than non-frail patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in spine surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are a set of interventions which are carried out in the preoperative and perioperative period. They are aimed to decrease the harmful effects of surgery on the body and help the patient recover better post-surgery. The effectiveness of ERAS has been well established in various other surgical specialities. Earlier spine surgery was thought to be very complex for application of ERAS protocols. However, this has changed over the last decade with (ERAS) protocols gaining widespread popularity in spine surgery. Initial studies involving ERAS in spine surgery were limited to lumbar spine. However, over the years the horizon of ERAS has expanded to include anterior cervical surgeries, spine deformity, spinal tumors and spine surgery in the elderly. ERAS has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay, overall hospital costs, opioid consumption in perioperative and postoperative period and to lower complication rates in spine surgery. In this narrative review, we discuss various aspects of ERAS in spine surgery including the benefits of ERAS in spine surgery, the various components of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative measures of ERAS protocol.