Thirty-day readmission and reoperation after surgery for spinal tumors: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

Effects of Preoperative Glucocorticoid Use on Patients Undergoing Single-Level Lumbar Fusions: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Registry Study

Objective Spinal fusions are gaining popularity as a means of treating spinal deformity and instability from a range of pathologies. The prevalence of glucocorticoid use has also increased in recent decades, and their systemic effects are well-documented. Although commonly used in the preoperative period, the effects of steroids on outcomes among patients undergoing spinal fusions are inadequately described. This study compares the odds of developing complications among patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusions with and without preoperative glucocorticoid use in hopes of establishing more evidence-based parameters for guiding preoperative steroid use. Methods The TriNetX multi-institutional electronic health record database was used to perform a retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis of clinical outcomes of two cohorts of patients who underwent posterior or posterolateral single-level lumbar fusions with and without interbody fusion, those who used glucocorticoids for at least one week within a year of fusion and those who did not. The outcomes of interest were examined within 30 days of the operation and included death, reoperation, deep or superficial surgical site infection (SSI), pneumonia, reintubation, ventilator dependence, tracheostomy, acute kidney injury (AKI), renal insufficiency, pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), urinary tract infection (UTI), emergency department (ED) visit, sepsis, and myocardial infarction (MI). Results The odds of developing pneumonia within 30 days of spinal fusion in the cohort that used glucocorticoids within one year of operation compared to the cohort without glucocorticoid use was 0.67 (p≤0.001, 95% CI: 0.59-0.69). The odds of requiring a tracheostomy within 30 days of spinal fusion in the cohort that used glucocorticoids within one year of operation compared to the cohort without glucocorticoid use was 0.39 (p≤0.001, 95% CI: 0.26-0.60). The odds of reoperation, deep and superficial SSI, and ED visits within 30 days of operation were significantly higher for the same glucocorticoid-receiving cohort, with odds ratios of 1.4 (p=0.003, 95% CI: 1.11-1.65), 1.86 (p≤0.001, 95% CI: 1.31-2.63), 2.28 (p≤0.001, 95% CI: 1.57-3.31), and 1.25 (p≤0.001, 95% CI: 1.17-1.33), respectively. After propensity score-matching, there was no significant difference between the odds of death, DVT, PE, MI, UTI, AKI, sepsis, reintubation, and ventilator dependence between the two cohorts. Conclusion In support of much of the current literature regarding preoperative glucocorticoid use and rates of complications, patients who underwent a single-level lumbar fusion and have used glucocorticoids for at least a week within a year of operation experienced significantly higher odds of reoperation, deep and superficial SSI, and ED visits. However, these patients using glucocorticoids were also found to have lower odds of developing pneumonia, renal insufficiency, and tracheostomy requirement than those who did not use steroids within a year of surgery.

What Factors Predict the Development of Neurologic Deficits Following Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: A Multi-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are challenging to resect, and their postoperative neurological outcomes are often difficult to predict, with few studies assessing this outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all patients surgically treated for Intramedullary spinal cord tumors at our multisite tertiary care institution (Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Rochester) between June 2002 and May 2020. Variables that were significant in the univariate analyses were included in a multivariate logistic regression. "MissForest" operating on the Random Forest algorithm, was used for data imputation, and K-prototype was used for data clustering. Heatmaps were added to show correlations between postoperative neurological deficit and all other included variables. Shapley Additive exPlanations were implemented to understand each feature's importance.

RESULTS

Our query resulted in 315 patients, with 160 meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 53 patients with astrocytoma, 66 with ependymoma, and 41 with hemangioblastoma. The mean age (standard deviation) was 42.3 (17.5), and 48.1% of patients were women (n = 77/160). Multivariate analysis revealed that pathologic grade >3 (OR = 1.55; CI = [0.67, 3.58], P = 0.046 predicted a new neurological deficit. Random Forest algorithm (supervised machine learning) found age, use of neuromonitoring, histology of the tumor, performing a midline myelotomy, and tumor location to be the most important predictors of new postoperative neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor grade/histology, age, use of neuromonitoring, and myelotomy type appeared to be most predictive of postoperative neurological deficits. These results can be used to better inform patients of perioperative risk.

Impact of functional status on 30-day resource utilization and organ system complications following index bariatric surgery: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgical procedures carry an appreciable risk profile despite their elective nature. Identified risk factors for procedural complications are often limited to medical comorbidities. This study assesses the impact of functional status on resource utilization and organ system complications following bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients undergoing elective, index bariatric surgery from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participating hospitals from 2015 to 2019 ( n =65 627). The primary independent variable was functional status. The primary outcome was unplanned resource utilization. Secondary outcomes included composite organ system complications and mortality. The impact of functional status was first investigated with univariate analyses. Survival and multivariate analyses were then performed on select complications with clinically and statistically significant incidence in the dependent cohort.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, dependent functional status was associated with unplanned resource utilization [12.1% (27/223) vs. 4.1% (2661/65 404)]; relative risk, 2.98 (95% CI, 2.09-4.25); P < 0.001] and haematologic/infectious complications [6.7% (15/223) vs. 2.4% (1540/65 404); relative risk, 2.86 (95% CI, 1.75-4.67); P < 0.001]. Survival analysis demonstrated a significantly shorter time to both events in patients with dependent functional status ( P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, dependent functional status was an independent predictor of unplanned resource utilization[adjusted odds ratio 2.17 (95% CI, 1.27-3.50); P = 0.003; model c-statistic, 0.572]) and haematologic/infectious complications [adjusted odds ratio, 2.20 ([95% CI, 1.14-3.86); P = 0.011; model c-statistic, 0.579].

CONCLUSION

Patients with dependent functional status are at an elevated risk of unplanned resource utilization and haematologic/infectious complications following index bariatric surgery. The increased risk cannot be explained by medical comorbidities alone.

Risk factors for early reoperation in patients after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. A propensity-matched cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Reoperation is usually associated with poor results and increased morbidity and hospital costs. However, the rates, causes, and risk factors for reoperation in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for early reoperation after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery and to compare the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent reoperation and those who did not.

METHODS

We investigated a multicenter medical record database of 1263 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery between 2012 and 2015. A total of 72 (5.7%) reoperations within two years after surgery were identified and were propensity-matched for age, sex, number of fusion segments, and surgeon's experience.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 114 patients (57 who underwent reoperation (R group) and 57 who did not (C group)). The mean age was 62.6 ± 13.4 years, with 78 men and 36 women. The mean number of fused segments was 1.2 ± 0.5. Surgical site infection was the most common cause of reoperation. There were significant differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.024), preoperative ambulation status (p = 0.046), and ASA grade (p < 0.001) between the C and R groups. The recovery rate of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was significantly lower in the R group compared to the C group (R: 50.5 ± 28.8%, C: 63.9 ± 33.7%, p = 0.024). There were significant differences in the bone fusion rate (R: 63.2%, C: 96.5%, p < 0.001) and incidence of screw loosening (R: 31.6%; C: 10.5%; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus, preoperative ambulation status, and ASA grade were significant risk factors for early reoperation following posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The patients who underwent early reoperation had worse clinical outcomes than those who did not.

Nadir Hemoglobin Concentration After Spinal Tumor Surgery: Association With Risk of Composite Adverse Events

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of early postoperative nadir hemoglobin with risk of a composite outcome of anemia-related and other adverse events.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from spinal tumor patients who received intraoperative blood transfusion between September 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore relationships of clinicodemographic and surgical factors with risk of composite in-hospital adverse events, including death. Subgroup analysis explored the relationship between early postoperative nadir hemoglobin and composite adverse events.

RESULTS

Among the 345 patients, 331 (95.9%) experienced early postoperative anemia and 69 (20%) experienced postoperative composite adverse events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative nadir Hb (OR = .818, 95% CI: .672-.995, P = .044), ASA ≥3 (OR = 2.007, 95% CI: 1.086-3.707, P = .026), intraoperative RBC infusion volume (OR = 1.133, 95% CI: 1.009-1.272, P = .035), abnormal hypertension (OR = 2.199, 95% CI: 1.085-4.457, P = .029) were correlated with composite adverse events. The lumbar spinal tumor was associated with composite adverse events with a decreased odds compared to thoracic spinal tumors (OR = .444, 95% CI: .226-.876, P = .019). Compared to patients with postoperative nadir hemoglobin ≥11.0 g/dL, those with nadir <9.0 g/dL were at significantly higher risk of postoperative composite adverse events (OR = 2.709, 95% CI: 1.087-6.754, P = .032).

CONCLUSION

Nadir hemoglobin <9.0 g/dL after spinal tumor surgery is associated with greater risk of postoperative composite adverse events in patients who receive intraoperative blood transfusion.

Development and External Validation of the Spinal Tumor Surgery Risk Index

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing surgical procedures for spinal tumors are vulnerable to major adverse events (AEs) and death in the postoperative period. Shared decision making and preoperative optimization of outcomes require accurate risk estimation.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a risk index to predict short-term major AEs after spinal tumor surgery.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from multiple medical centers affiliated with the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2006 to 2020 were reviewed. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess sociodemographic, tumor-related, and surgery-related factors in the derivation cohort. The spinal tumor surgery risk index (STSRI) was built based on the resulting scores. The STSRI was internally validated using a subgroup of patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and externally validated using a cohort from a single tertiary center.

RESULTS

In total, 14 982 operations were reviewed and 4556 (16.5%) major AEs occurred within 30 days after surgery, including 209 (4.5%) deaths. 22 factors were independently associated with major AEs or death and were included in the STSRI. Using the internal and external validation cohorts, the STSRI produced an area under the curve of 0.86 and 0.82, sensitivity of 80.1% and 79.7%, and specificity of 74.3% and 73.7%, respectively. The STSRI, which is freely available, outperformed the modified frailty indices, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and the American College of Surgeons risk calculator.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors, the STSRI showed the highest predictive accuracy for major postoperative AEs and death compared with other current risk predictors.

Prospective application of the risk analysis index to measure preoperative frailty in spinal tumor surgery: A single center outcomes analysis

Introduction

Surgeons are frequently faced with challenging clinical dilemmas evaluating whether the benefits of surgery outweigh the substantial risks routinely encountered with spinal tumor surgery. The Clinical Risk Analysis Index (RAI-C) is a robust frailty tool administered via a patient-friendly questionnaire that strives to augment preoperative risk stratification. The objective of the study was to prospectively measure frailty with RAI-C and track postoperative outcomes after spinal tumor surgery.

Methods

Patients surgically treated for spinal tumors were followed prospectively from 7/2020-7/2022 at a single tertiary center. RAI-C was ascertained during preoperative visits and verified by the provider. The RAI-C scores were assessed in relation to postoperative functional status (measured by modified Rankin Scale score [mRS]) at the last follow-up visit.

Results

Of 39 patients, 47% were robust (RAI 0-20), 26% normal (21-30), 16% frail (31-40), and 11% severely frail (RAI 41+).). Pathology included primary (59%) and metastatic (41%) tumors with corresponding mRS>2 rates of 17% and 38%, respectively. Tumors were classified as extradural (49%), intradural extramedullary (46%), or intradural intramedullary (5.4%) with mRS>2 rates of 28%, 24%, and 50%, respectively. RAI-C had a positive association with mRS>2 ​at follow-up: 16% for robust, 20% for normal, 43% for frail, and 67% for severely frail. The two deaths in the series had the highest RAI-C scores (45 and 46) and were patients with metastatic cancer. The RAI-C was a robust and diagnostically accurate predictor of mRS>2 in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (C-statistic: 0.70, 95 CI: 0.49-0.90).

Conclusions

The findings exemplify the clinical utility of RAI-C frailty scoring for prediction of outcomes after spinal tumor surgery and it has potential to help in the surgical decision-making process as well as surgical consent. As a preliminary case series, the authors intend to provide additional data with a larger sample size and longer follow-up duration in a future study.

Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Disease in Octogenarians and Above: Analysis of 78 Patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE

Octogenarians living with spinal metastases are a challenging population to treat. Our objective was to identify the rate, types, management, and predictors of complications and survival in octogenarians following surgery for spinal metastases.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected cohort of patients aged 80 years or older who underwent surgery for metastatic spinal tumor treatment between 2008 and 2019 were included. Demographic, intraoperative, complications, and postoperative follow-up data was collected. Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression were used to associate variables with overall survival and postoperative complications, respectively.

RESULTS

78 patients (mean 83.6 years) met inclusion criteria. Average operative time and blood loss were 157 minutes and 615 mL, respectively. The median length of stay was 7 days. The overall complication rate was 31% (N = 24), with 21% considered major and 7% considered life-threatening or fatal. Blood loss was significantly associated with postoperative complications (OR = 1.002; P = 0.02) and mortality (HR = 1.0007; P = 0.04). Significant associations of increased risk of death were also noted with surgeries with decompression, and cervical/cervicothoracic index level of disease. For deceased patients, median time to death was 4.5 months. For living patients, median follow-up was 14.5 months. The Kaplan-Meier based median overall survival for the cohort was 11.6 months (95% CI: 6.2-19.1).

CONCLUSIONS

In octogenarians undergoing surgery with instrumentation for spinal metastases, the median overall survival is 11.6 months. There is an increased complication rate, but only 7% are life-threatening or fatal. Patients are at increased risk for complications and mortality particularly when performing decompression with stabilization, with increasing intraoperative blood loss, and with cervical/cervicothoracic tumors.

Prophylactic Application of Vancomycin Powder in Preventing Surgical Site Infections After Spinal Surgery

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze the preventive effect of local vancomycin powder application on surgical site infection (SSI) in spinal surgeries and provide the basis for future clinical practice.

METHODS

Through PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, and the Cochrane Library, with MeSH words "vancomycin powder," "local/intraoperative/topical/intra-wound," "spine/spinal/lumbar/cervical/thoracolumbar," "surgery," "infection," and "SSI," we searched for case-control research papers on the impact of prophylactic application of vancomycin powder on the incidence of SSI and compared the rate of infection using RevMan 5.3 meta-analysis software.

RESULTS

A total of 1950 publications were found using the mesh words, and 50 of those studies were selected for final analysis. There were 34,301 cases in total, including 14,793 cases in vancomycin group and 19,508 cases in the control group. Results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of SSI was significantly lower in the prophylactic vancomycin powder group than the control group (P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of SSI was significantly lower in the prophylactic vancomycin powder group than the control group in spine surgeries with internal fixation, deformity correction, and deep tissue infections (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups concerning patients undergoing noninstrumented spine surgeries and the incidence of superficial tissue infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, prophylactic application of vancomycin powder in spinal surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of SSI in deep tissues, and this effect is more prominent in patients undergoing internal fixation and deformity correction surgeries.

Unplanned Readmission After Surgery for Cervical Spine Metastases

OBJECTIVE

Patients undergoing surgery for cervical spine metastases are at risk for unplanned readmission due to comorbidities and chemotherapy/radiation. Our objectives were to: 1) report the incidence of unplanned readmission, 2) identify risk factors associated with unplanned readmission, and 3) determine the impact of an unplanned readmission on long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective, case-control study was undertaken of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery for metastatic disease between 02/2010 and 01/2021. The primary outcome of interest was unplanned readmission within 6 months. Survival analysis was performed for overall survival (OS) and local recurrence (LR).

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients underwent cervical spine surgery for metastatic disease with the following approaches: 11 (18.0%) anterior, 28 (45.9%) posterior, and 22 (36.1%) combined. Mean age was 60.9 ± 11.2 years and 38 (62.3%) were males. A total of 9/61 (14.8%) patients had an unplanned readmission, 3 for surgical reasons and 6 for medical reasons. No difference was found in demographics, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (P = 0.992), motor strength (P = 0.477), or comorbidities (P = 0.213) between readmitted patients versus not. Readmitted patients had a higher rate of preoperative radiation (P = 0.009). No statistical differences were found in operative time (P = 0.893), estimated blood loss (P = 0.676), length of stay (P = 0.720), discharge disposition (P = 0.279), and operative approach (P = 0.450). Furthermore, no difference was found regarding complications (P = 0.463), postoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (P = 0.535), and postoperative Modified McCormick Scale (P = 0.586). Lastly, unplanned readmissions were not associated with OS (log-rank; P = 0.094) or LR (log-rank; P = 0.110).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing cervical spine metastasis surgery, readmission occurred in 15% of patients, 33% for surgical reasons, and 67% for medical reasons. Preoperative radiotherapy was associated with an increased rate of unplanned readmissions, yet readmission had no association with OS or LR.

Hospital-acquired infection following spinal tumor surgery: A frailty-driven pre-operative risk model

BACKGROUND

Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) after spinal tumor resection surgery contributes to adverse patient outcomes and excess healthcare resource utilization. This study sought to develop a predictive model for HAI occurrence following surgery for spinal tumors.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) 2015-2019 database was queried for spinal tumor resections. Baseline demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics, including frailty, were analyzed. Frailty was measured by modified frailty score 5 (mFI-5) and risk analysis index (RAI). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for HAI occurrence. A logit-based predictive model for HAI occurrence was designed and discriminative power was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Of 5883 patients undergoing spinal tumor surgery, HAI occurred in 574 (9.8 %). The HAI (vs. non-HAI) cohort was older and frailer with higher rates of preoperative functional dependence, chronic steroid use, chronic lung disease, coagulopathy, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco smoking, unintentional weight loss, and hypoalbuminemia (all P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of HAI occurrence included severe frailty (mFI-5, OR: 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.1-5.2, P = 0.035), nonelective surgery (OR: 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.1-2.4, P = 0.007), and hypoalbuminemia (OR: 1.5, 95 % CI: 1.1-2.2, P = 0.027). A logistic regression model with frailty score alongside age, race, BMI, elective vs. non-elective surgery, and pre-operative labs have predicted HAI occurrence with a C-statistic of 0.68 (95 % CI: 0.64-0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

HAI occurrence after spinal tumor surgery can be predicted by standardized frailty metrics, mFI-5 and RAI-rev, alongside routinely measured preoperative characteristics (demographics, comorbidities, pre-operative labs).

Thirty-day unplanned reoperations of thoracic spine surgery: 10 years of data from a single center with 3,242 patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Unplanned reoperation is a useful quality indicator for spine surgery. However, the rates of a 30-day unplanned reoperation in patients undergoing thoracic spinal surgery are not well established.

PURPOSE

To assess the rates, reasons, and risk factors of 30-day unplanned reoperations for thoracic spine surgeries in a single center study.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective observational study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

3,242 patients who underwent thoracic spinal surgery at our institution in the past decade were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence, chief reasons, and risk factors for unplanned reoperations within 30 days after thoracic spinal surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients who underwent thoracic spinal surgery between January 2012 and December 2021. Statistical methods, including univariate and multivariate analyses, were performed to assess the incidence, reasons, and risk factors for thoracic degenerative diseases, spinal tumors, kyphosis deformity, and spinal trauma.

RESULTS

Of the 3,242 patients who underwent thoracic spinal surgery, 107 (3.30%) required unplanned reoperations within 30 days due to epidural hematoma (1.17%), wound complications (0.80%), implant complications (0.43%), inadequate decompression (0.25%), and other causes (0.65%). Patients with degenerative disease (3.88%), spinal tumor (2.98%), and kyphosis deformity (3.33%) had significantly higher incidences of reoperation than those with spinal trauma (1.47%). Unplanned reoperations were classified as hyperacute (30.84%), acute (31.76%), and subacute (37.38%). After univariate analysis, several factors were associated with unplanned reoperation in the 4 cohorts of thoracic spine diseases (p<.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that upper thoracic spine surgery (p=.001), concomitant dekyphosis (p=.027), and longer activated partial thromboplastin time (p=.025) were risk factors of unplanned reoperation for thoracic degenerative disease. Whereas American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade III (p=.015), combined approach (p=.016), and operation time longer than 420 min (p=.042) for spinal tumor, and similar ankylosing spondylitis (p=.023) and operation time longer than 340 min (p=.041) were risk factors of unplanned reoperation for kyphosis deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

The unplanned reoperation rate for thoracic spine surgery was 3.30%, with epidural hematoma and wound complications being the most common reasons. However, upper thoracic spine surgery, concomitant dekyphosis, underlying coagulation disorder, longer operation time, higher ASA grade, and comorbidities of ankylosing spondylitis led to an increased risk of unplanned reoperation within 30 days of thoracic spine surgery.

Impact of Prolonged Operative Duration on Postoperative Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolic Events After Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of operative duration on the rate of postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolic (VTE) events in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine fusion.

METHODS

We identified all thoracolumbar spine fusion patients between 2012 and 2021. Operative duration was defined as time from skin incision to skin closure. A 1:1 propensity match was conducted incorporating patient and surgical characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of postoperative symptomatic VTE events. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created to determine a cutoff time for increased likelihood of VTE.

RESULTS

We identified 101 patients with VTE and 1108 patients without VTE. Seventy-five patients with VTE were matched to 75 patients without VTE. Operative duration (339 vs. 262 minutes, P = 0.010) and length of stay (5.00 vs. 3.54 days, P = 0.008) were significantly longer in patients with a VTE event. Operative duration was an independent predictor of VTE on multivariate regression (odds ratio: 1.003, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.01, P = 0.021). For each additional hour of operative duration, the risk of VTE increased by 18%. A cutoff time of 218 minutes was identified (area under the curve [95% confidence interval] = 0.622 [0.533-0.712]) as an optimal predictor of increased risk for a VTE event.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative duration significantly predicted symptomatic VTE, especially after surgical time cutoff of 218 minutes. Each additional hour of operative duration was found to increase VTE risk by 18%. We also identify the impact of VTE on 90-day readmission rates, suggesting significantly higher costs and opportunity for hospital acquired conditions, in line with prior literature.

Incidences, causes and risk factors of unplanned reoperations within 30 days of spine surgery: a single-center study based on 35,246 patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Unplanned reoperation, a quality indicator in spine surgery, has not been sufficiently investigated in a large-scale, single-center study.

PURPOSE

To assess the incidences, causes, and risk factors of unplanned reoperations within 30 days of spine surgeries in a single-center study.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A cohort of 35,246 patients who underwent spinal surgery in our hospital were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The rates, chief reasons, and risk factors for unplanned reoperations within 30 days of spine surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data for patients who underwent spine surgeries for degenerative spinal disorders, tumor, or deformity and had subsequent unplanned operations within 30 days at a single tertiary academic hospital from January 2016 to July 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the incidences, causes, and risk factors.

RESULTS

Out of 35,246 spinal surgery patients, 297 (0.84%) required unplanned reoperations within 30 days of spine surgery. Patients with a thoracic degenerative disease (3.23%), spinal tumor (1.63%), and spinal deformity (1.50%) had significantly higher rates of reoperation than those with atlantoaxial (0.61%), cervical (0.65%), and lumbar (0.82%) degenerative disease. The common causes for reoperation included epidural hematoma (0.403%), wound infections (0.148%), neurological deficit (0.108%), and pedicle screw malposition (0.077%). Unplanned reoperations were classified as hyperacute (45.45%), acute (30.98%), subacute (15.82%), or chronic (7.74%). Univariate analysis indicated that 20 clinical factors were associated with unplanned reoperation (p<.05). Multivariate Poisson regression analysis revealed that anemia (p<.001), osteoporosis (p=.048), ankylosing spondylitis (p=.008), preoperative foot drop (p=.011), deep venous thrombosis (p<.001), and previous surgical history (p<.001) were independent risk factors for unplanned spinal reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of unplanned spinal reoperations was 0.84%. The chief common causes were epidural hematoma, wound infections, neurological deficit, and pedicle screw malposition. Anemia, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, preoperative foot drop, deep venous thrombosis, and previous surgical history led to an increased risk of unplanned reoperation within 30 days of spine surgery.

Postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation correlates to poor survival in patients with surgically treated spinal metastasis

Objective

Patients with spinal metastasis (SM) are at advanced stages of systemic cancer disease. Surgical therapy for SM is a common treatment modality enabling histopathological diagnosis and the prevention of severe neurological deficits. However, surgery for SM in this vulnerable patient cohort may require prolonged postoperative intensive care treatment, which could adversely affect the anticipated benefit of the surgery. We therefore assessed postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) as an indicator for intensive care treatment with regard to potential correlations with early postoperative mortality and overall survival (OS).

Methods

Between 2015 and 2019, 198 patients were surgically treated for SM at the author´s neurosurgical department. PMV was defined as postoperative mechanical ventilation of more than 24 hours. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify pre- and perioperative collectable predictors for 30 days mortality.

Results

Twenty out of 198 patients (10%) with SM suffered from postoperative PMV. Patients with PMV exhibited a median OS rate of 1 month compared to 12 months for patients without PMV (p < 0.0001). The 30 days mortality was 70% and after one year 100%. The multivariate analysis identified “PMV > 24 hrs” (p < 0.001, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.02-0.4) as the only significant and independent predictor for 30 days mortality (Nagelkerke’s R2 0.38).

Conclusions

Our data indicate postoperative PMV to significantly correlate to high early postoperative mortality rates as well as to poor OS in patients with surgically treated SM. These findings might encourage the initiation of further multicenter studies to comprehensively investigate PMV as a so far underestimated negative prognostic factor in the course of surgical treatment for SM.

Impact of Obesity on Perioperative Complications on Treatment of Spinal Metastases: A Multicenter Surveillance Study from the German Spine Registry (DWG-Register)

Background  The spine is a common location for the development of primary and metastatic tumors, spinal metastases being the most common tumor in the spine. Spinal surgery in obesity is challenging due to difficulties with anesthesia, intravenous access, positioning, and physical access during surgery. The objective was to investigate the effect of obesity on perioperative complications by discharge in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases.

Methods  Retrospective analysis of data from the DWG-register on patients undergoing surgery for metastatic disease in the spine from January 2012 to December 2016. Preoperative variables included obesity (≥ 30 kg/m ² ), age, gender, and smoking status. In addition, the influence of pre-existing medical comorbidity was determined, using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score.

Results  In total, 528 decompressions with and without instrumentation undergoing tumor debulking, release of the neural structures, or tumor extirpation in metastatic disease of the spine were identified; 143 patients were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m ² ), and 385 patients had a BMI less than 30 kg/m ² . The mean age in the group with BMI 30 kg/m ² or higher (group 1) was 67 years (56.6%). In the group with BMI less than 30 kg/m ² (group 2), the mean age was 64 years. Most of the patients had preoperatively an ASA score of 3 and 4 (patients with severe general disease). The likelihood of being obese in the logistic regression model seems to be protective by 47.5-fold for blood loss 500 mL or higher. Transfusions occurred in 321/528 (60.7%) patients (group 1, n  = 122 and group 2, n  = 299; p  = 0.04). A total of 19 vertebroplasties with percutaneous stabilization (minimally invasive spine [MIS]), 6 vertebroplasties, and 31 MIS alone were identified. The variables between these groups, with exception of preoperative status (ASA-score; p  = 0.02), remained nonsignificant.

Conclusion  Obese patients were predisposed to have blood loss more than 500 mL more often than nonobese patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases but with perioperative blood transfusions, invasiveness, nor prolonged hospitalization. Early postoperative mobilization and a low threshold for perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) are important in obese patients to appropriately diagnose, treat complications, and minimize morbidity.

Incidence and management of surgical site infection in the cervical spine following a transoral approach

PURPOSE

Transoral approach can accomplish ventral decompression directly. However, surgical site infection (SSI) cannot be ignored. This paper aims to review the prevalence of infection and conduct advice for the treatment of SSI in the cervical spine following the transoral approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with SSI after transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) surgery was performed. SSI was classified into three kinds according to the modified American CDC criteria.

RESULTS

2.9% (17/581) patients who underwent TARP surgery, experienced SSI, of which five had superficial SSI (SI), eight had deep SSI (DI), and four had organ/space SSI (O/SI). The patients with SI underwent intravenous antibiotic treatment and were ultimately cured. Among the remaining 12 patients with DI and O/SI, 11 underwent reoperation for TARP system removal and subsequently one-stage posterior occipitocervical fixation, and one patient experienced infection two months post-operatively and died without receiving treatment. Among patients who underwent revision surgery, three experienced intracranial infection due to intra-operative dural tears, and continuous lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage and intrathecal injection of antibiotics were used as effective and appropriate treatments, with outcomes of one recovery and two deaths. All patients with SSI were begun on intravenous antibiotics with conversion to oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of SSI was 2.9% (17/581). Adequate peri-operative preparation, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of SSI require further research.

Postoperative surveillance in cranial and spinal tumor neurosurgery: when is this warranted?

OBJECTIVE

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the sudden increase in the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation significantly affected the management of neurooncological patients. Hospitals were forced to reallocate already scarce human resources to maximize intensive care unit (ICU) capacities, resulting in a significant postponement of elective procedures for patients with brain and spinal tumors, who traditionally require elective postoperative surveillance on ICU or intermediate care wards. This study aimed to characterize those patients in whom postoperative monitoring is required by analyzing early postoperative complications and associated risk factors.

METHODS

All patients included in the analysis experienced benign or malignant cerebral or intradural tumors and underwent surgery between September 2017 and May 2019 at University Hospital Münster, Germany. Patient data were generated from a semiautomatic, prospectively designed database. The occurrence of adverse events within 24 hours and 30 days postoperatively-including unplanned reoperation, postoperative hemorrhage, CSF leakage, and pulmonary embolism-was chosen as the primary outcome measure. Furthermore, reasons and risk factors that led to a prolonged stay on the ICU were investigated. By performing multivariable logistic regression modeling, a risk score for early postoperative adverse events was calculated by assigning points based on beta coefficients.

RESULTS

Eight hundred eleven patients were included in the study. Eleven patients (1.4%) had an early adverse event within 24 hours, which was either an unplanned reoperation (0.9%, n = 7) or a pulmonary embolism (0.5%, n = 4) within 24 hours. To predict the incidence of early postoperative complications, a score was developed including the number of secondary diagnoses, BMI, and incision closure time, termed the SOS score. According to this score, 0.3% of the patients were at low risk, 2.5% at intermediate risk, and 12% at high risk (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative surveillance in cranial and spinal tumor neurosurgery might only be required in a distinct patient collective. In this study, the authors present a new score allowing efficient prediction of the likelihood of early adverse events in patients undergoing neurooncological procedures, thus helping to stratify the necessity for ICU or intermediate care unit beds. Nevertheless, validation of the score in a multicenter prospective setting is needed.

A novel online calculator to predict nonroutine discharge, length of stay, readmission, and reoperation in patients undergoing surgery for intramedullary spinal cord tumors

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare tumors associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical resection is often indicated for symptomatic lesions but may result in new neurological deficits and decrease quality of life. Identifying predictors of these adverse outcomes may help target interventions designed to reduce their occurrence. Nonetheless, most prior studies have employed population-level datasets with limited granularity.

PURPOSE

To determine independent predictors of nonroutine discharge, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and 30 day readmission and reoperation, and to deploy these results as a web-based calculator.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 235 patients who underwent resection of IMSCTs at a single comprehensive cancer center.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Nonroutine discharge, prolonged LOS, 30 day readmission, and 30 day reoperation METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery from June 2002 to May 2020 at a single tertiary center were included. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, tumor histology, surgical procedures, and 30 day readmission and reoperation. Functional status was assessed using the Modified McCormick Scale (MMS) and queried preoperative neurological symptoms included weakness, urinary and bowel dysfunction, numbness, and back and radicular pain. Variables significant on univariable analysis at the α≤0.15 level were entered into a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of 235 included cases, 131 (56%) experienced a nonhome discharge and 68 (29%) experienced a prolonged LOS. Of 178 patients with ≥ 30 days of follow-up, 17 (9.6%) were readmitted within 30 days and 13 (7.4%) underwent reoperation. Wound dehiscence (29%) was the most common reason for readmission. Nonhome discharge was independently predicted by older age (OR=1.03/year; p<.01), thoracic location of the tumor (OR=2.36; p=.01), presenting with bowel dysfunction (OR=4.09; p=.03), and longer incision length (OR=1.44 per level; p=.03). Independent predictors of prolonged LOS included presenting with urinary incontinence (OR=2.65; p=.05) or a higher preoperative white blood cell count (OR=1.08 per 10³/μL); p=.01), while GTR predicted shorter LOS (OR=0.40; p=.02). Independent predictive factors for 30 day unplanned readmission included experiencing ≥1 complications during the first hospitalization (OR=6.13; p<.01) and having a poor (A-C) versus good (D-E) baseline neurological status on the ASIA impairment scale (OR=0.23; p=.03). The only independent predictor of unplanned 30 day reoperation was experiencing ≥1 inpatient complications during the index hospitalization (OR=6.92; p<.01). Receiver operating curves for the constructed models produced C-statistics of 0.67-0.77 and the models were deployed as freely available web-based calculators (https://jhuspine5.shinyapps.io/Intramedullary30day).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that neurological presentation, patient demographics, and incision length were important predictors of adverse perioperative outcomes in patients with IMSCTs. The calculators can be used by clinicians for risk stratification, preoperative counseling, and targeted interventions.

Severe High Cervical Cord Compression Due to Large Bilateral Neurofibromas in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Spinal neurofibromas are rare benign lesions associated with neurofibromatosis Type 1. They can often cause compression on nerve roots and the spinal cord. In this rare case, there are bilateral large neurofibromas with severe cord compression presenting as progressive myelopathy. We illustrate the surgical management as well as post-operative care along with a detailed literature review of similar cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report, in English literature, of spinal neurofibroma with large size, bilateral high cervical cord compression.

Tobacco Use Is Associated With Increased 90-Day Readmission Among Patients Undergoing Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database study.

OBJECTIVE

Tobacco use is associated with complications after surgical procedures, including poor wound healing, surgical site infections, and cardiovascular events. We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) to determine if tobacco use is associated with increased 30- and 90-day readmission among patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spine disorders.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective spine surgery were identified in the NRD from 2010 to 2014. The study population included patients with degenerative spine disorders treated with discectomy, fusion, or decompression. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify patient and hospital factors associated with 30- and 90-day readmission, with significance set at P value <.001.

RESULTS

Within 30 days, 4.8% of patients were readmitted at a median time of 9 days. The most common reasons for 30-day readmission were postoperative infection (12.5%), septicemia (3.5%), and postoperative pain (3.0%). Within 90 days, 7.3% were readmitted at a median time of 18 days. The most common reasons for 90-day readmission were postoperative infection (9.6%), septicemia (3.5%), and pneumonia (2.3%). After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics, tobacco use was independently associated with readmission at 90 days (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.07, P < .0001) but not 30 days (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.05, P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use is associated with readmission within 90 days after cervical and thoracolumbar spine surgery for degenerative disease. Tobacco use is a known risk factor for adverse health events and therefore should be considered when selecting patients for spine surgery.

30-day postoperative sepsis risk factors following laminectomy for intradural extramedullary tumors

BACKGROUND

Posterior laminectomy (LA) for resection of intradural extramedullary tumors (IDEMTs) is associated with postoperative complications, including sepsis. Sepsis is an uncommon but serious complication that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and greater costs. Given the susceptibility of a solid tumor patients to sepsis-related complications, it is important to recognize IDEMT patients as a unique population when assessing the risk factors for sepsis after laminectomy.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients undergoing LA for IDEMTs from 2012 to 2018 were identified in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Baseline patient characteristics/comorbidities, operative and hospital variables, and 30-day postoperative complications were collected.

RESULTS

Of 2,027 total patients undergoing LA for IDEMTs, 38 (2%) had postoperative sepsis. On bivariate analysis sepsis was associated with superficial surgical site infection [odds ratio (OR) 11.62, P<0.001], deep surgical site infection (OR 10.67, P<0.001), deep vein thrombosis (OR 10.75, P<0.001), pulmonary embolism (OR 15.27, P<0.001), transfusion (OR 6.18, P<0.001), length of stay greater than five days (OR 5.41, P<0.001), and return to the operating room within thirty days (OR 8.72, P<0.001). Subsequent multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for sepsis and septic shock: operative time ≥50th percentile (OR 2.11, P=0.032), higher anesthesia class (OR 1.76, P=0.046), dependent functional status (OR 2.23, P=0.001), diabetes (OR 2.31, P=0.037), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.56, P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings can help spine surgeons identify high-risk patients and proactively deploy measures to avoid this potentially devastating complication in individuals who may be more vulnerable than the general elective spine population.

Assessment of Frailty Indices and Charlson Comorbidity Index for Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Spine Metastases: A National Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive ability of Metastatic Spinal Tumor Frailty Index (MSTFI) and the Modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) on adverse outcomes, compared with the known Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2011 to 2019. All adult patients undergoing various procedures for extradural spinal metastases were identified. Patients were stratified into frail and nonfrail cohorts based on CCI, mFI-5, and MSTFI scores. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of prolonged length of stay, nonroutine discharge, adverse events, and unplanned readmission.

RESULTS

Of the 1613 patients included in this study, 21.4% had a CCI >0, 56.6% had an mFI-5 >0, and 76.7% of patients had an MSTFI >0. On multivariate analysis, all 3 indices were found to be predictive of nonroutine discharge (CCI: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.41 vs. mFI-5: aOR, 1.37 vs. MSTFI: aOR, 1.5) and adverse events (CCI: aOR, 1.53 vs. mFI-5: aOR, 1.23 vs. MSTFI: aOR, 1.43). High CCI (adjusted relative risk, 1.67) and MSTFI (adjusted relative risk, 1.14), but not mFI-5, were also associated with a prolonged length of stay, whereas MSTFI was found to be the only significant predictor of unplanned readmission (aOR, 1.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that MSTFI frailty index may be more sensitive than both CCI and mFI-5 in identifying adverse outcomes after spine surgery for metastases.

Complications in spinal tumor surgery (review of literature)

Combined anterior and posterior approaches are required in spinal tumor surgery and considered highly invasive. Anatomical and physiological features of the surgical intervention area should be taken into consideration as well. Thus, these criteria reflect the severity of intraoperative complications during the surgical treatment of spinal tumors. The authors reviewed the scientific literature on the frequency and nature of complications in surgical interventions for spinal tumors.The most significant risk factors for intraoperative complications have been considered, the main of which are: the proximity of the location of the main vessels and viscera, the development of postoperative liquorrhea, as well as surgical site infection. Based on the studied information, we presented the methods of prevention and surgical tactics options in complications.

Predictors of hospital readmission within 30 days after surgery for thoracolumbar fractures: A mixed approach

BACKGROUND

Readmission followed by surgery to treat spinal fractures has a substantial impact on patient care costs and reflects a hospital's quality standards. This article analyzes the factors associated with hospital readmission followed by surgery to treat spinal fractures.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study with time-series analysis. For prediction analysis, we used Cox proportional hazards and machine-learning models, using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Inpatient Database from Florida (USA).

RESULTS

The sample comprised 215,999 patients, 8.8% of whom were readmitted within 30 days. The factors associated with a risk of readmission were male sex (1.1 [95% confidence interval 1.06-1.13]) and >60 years of age (1.74 [95% CI: 1.69-1.8]). Surgeons with a higher annual patient volume presented a lower risk of readmission (0.61 [95% CI: 0.59-0.63]) and hospitals with an annual volume >393 presented a lower risk (0.92 [95% CI: 0.89-0.95]).

CONCLUSION

Surgical procedures and other selected predictors and machine-learning models can be used to reduce 30-day readmissions after spinal surgery. Identification of patients at higher risk for readmission and complications is the first step to reducing unplanned readmissions.

Frailty Status Is a More Robust Predictor Than Age of Spinal Tumor Surgery Outcomes: A NSQIP Analysis of 4,662 Patients

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of baseline frailty status (as measured by modified frailty index-5 [mFI-5]) versus age on postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors using data from a large national registry.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to collect spinal tumor resection patients’ data from 2015 to 2019 (n = 4,662). Univariate and multivariate analyses for age and mFI-5 were performed for the following outcomes: 30-day mortality, major complications, unplanned reoperation, unplanned readmission, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge to a nonhome destination. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the discriminative performance of age versus mFI-5.

Results

Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that mFI-5 was a more robust predictor of worse postoperative outcomes as compared to age. Furthermore, based on categorical analysis of frailty tiers, increasing frailty was significantly associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. ‘Severely frail’ patients were found to have the highest risk, with odds ratio 16.4 (95% confidence interval [CI],11.21–35.44) for 30-day mortality, 3.02 (95% CI, 1.97–4.56) for major complications, and 2.94 (95% CI, 2.32–4.21) for LOS. In ROC curve analysis, mFI-5 score (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.743) achieved superior discrimination compared to age (AUC = 0.594) for mortality.

Conclusion

Increasing frailty, as measured by mFI-5, is a more robust predictor as compared to age, for poor postoperative outcomes in spinal tumor surgery patients. The mFI-5 may be clinically used for preoperative risk stratification of spinal tumor patients.

Thrombocytopenia as an Independent Prognostic Indicator Following Extradural Spinal Tumor Resection

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the prognosis for patients with baseline thrombocytopenia undergoing extradural spine tumor resection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate mortality, readmission, and other 30-day outcomes in patients with varying degrees of preoperative thrombocytopenia undergoing osseous extradural tumor excision.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was queried from 2011-2019. Patients were categorized according to baseline preoperative platelet count, in 25,000/μL increments: 125,000-149,000/μL, 100,000-125,000/μL, 75,000-100,000/μL, and < 75,000/μL. These were compared to a control group with platelet count >150,000/μL. Outcomes in each cohort were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The database search revealed 3,574 patients undergoing extradural tumor resection; 2,171 (4.8%) of patients with platelets 125,000-149,000/μL, 114 (3.2%) with 100,000-125,000/μL, 75,000-100,000/μL in 43 (1.2%), and < 75,000/μL in 42 (1.2%). Platelet counts <100,000/μL was associated with perioperative blood transfusion, cardiac complications, and non-home discharge, and 30-day mortality. On subgroup analysis for mortality, an interaction was present between individuals with moderate/severe thrombocytopenia and cervical tumors.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing surgery for extradural spine tumor, degree of baseline thrombocytopenia-rather than presence alone-is an independent predictor of several adverse events. Wherever possible, optimization of preoperative platelet count to at least 100,000/μL may improve outcomes.

Predictors of Nonelective Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Insights from a National Database

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a national all-payer database.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to identify patient- and hospital-level factors independently associated with the receipt of nonelective surgery and determine whether nonelective surgery portends differences in perioperative outcomes compared to elective surgery for spinal metastases.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Spinal metastases may progress to symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression that warrants urgent surgical intervention. Although nonelective surgery for spinal metastases has been associated with poor postoperative outcomes, literature evaluating disparities in the receipt of nonelective versus elective surgery in this population is lacking.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (2012-2015) was queried for patients who underwent surgical intervention for spinal metastases. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association of patient- and hospital-level factors with the receipt of nonelective surgery, as well as to evaluate the influence of admission status on perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

After adjusting for disease-related factors and other baseline covariates, our multivariable logistic regression model revealed several sociodemographic differences in the receipt of nonelective surgery. Patients of black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.84, P = 0.032) and other race (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-1.98, P = 0.005) had greater odds of undergoing nonelective surgery than their white counterparts. Patients of lower income (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.84, P = 0.019) and public insurance status (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.93, P < 0.001) were more likely to receive nonelective surgery than higher income and privately insured patients, respectively. Higher comorbidity burden was also associated with greater odds of non-elective admission (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 2.07-4.16, P  < 0.001). With respect to perioperative outcomes, multivariable analysis revealed that patients receiving nonelective surgery were more likely to experience nonroutine discharge (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.09-2.98, P  < 0.001) and extended length of stay [LOS] (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.91-3.16, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates substantial disparities in the receipt of nonelective surgery across sociodemographic groups and highlights its association with nonroutine discharge and extended LOS.Level of Evidence: 3.

Clinical Prediction Modeling in Intramedullary Spinal Tumor Surgery

Artificial intelligence is poised to influence various aspects of patient care, and neurosurgery is one of the most uprising fields where machine learning is being applied to provide surgeons with greater insight about the pathophysiology and prognosis of neurological conditions. This chapter provides a guide for clinicians on relevant aspects of machine learning and reviews selected application of these methods in intramedullary spinal cord tumors. The potential areas of application of machine learning extend far beyond the analyses of clinical data to include several areas of artificial intelligence, such as genomics and computer vision. Integration of various sources of data and application of advanced analytical approaches could improve risk assessment for intramedullary tumors.

Analysis of Short-Term versus Long-Term Readmission-Free Survival After Metastatic Spine Tumor Surgery

BACKGROUND

Readmission-free survival (ReAFS) is a novel clinical and quality metric after metastatic spine tumor surgery (MSTS). We believe that factors influencing ReAFS after index MSTS vary based on time. We considered 2 time frames and defined short-term ReAFS as survival without an unplanned hospital readmission up to 90 days and long-term ReAFS as survival without unplanned hospital readmission up to 1 year after MSTS.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 266 patients who underwent MSTS between 2005 and 2016. All relevant oncologic, surgical and follow-up data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze prognostic factors associated with higher probability of short-term ReAFS and long-term ReAFS.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≤2 (P = 0.011), preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level >12 g/dL (P = 0.008), ≤3 comorbidities (P = 0.052), shorter index length of stay ≤10 days (P = 0.007), and absence of neurologic/hematologic complications during index stay (P = 0.015) significantly increased the probability of short-term ReAFS, whereas preoperative Hb level >12 g/dL (P = 0.003) or tumor primaries with advanced treatment modalities such as breast (P = 0.012), hematologic (P = 0.006), prostate (P = 0.004), and renal/thyroid (P = 0.038) as opposed to aggressive lung tumor primaries were associated with significantly higher probability of long-term ReAFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient and treatment factors predominantly influence ReAFS up to 90 days, whereas primary tumor-related factors alongside general health influence ReAFS beyond 90 days after index MSTS. Awareness of these factors may help oncologists and surgeons optimize treatment planning. The clinical significance of this study will continue to evolve, because we have been witnessing over the past decade that patients are becoming more involved in both their general health and understanding the natural history of the diseases that affect them.

Effect of patient's sex on early perioperative outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

OBJECTIVE

Differences in morbidity and mortality measures between males and females have been demonstrated for a variety of spinal surgeries, however, studies of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are limited. To investigate the impact ofsexon 30-day perioperative outcomes of ACDF.

METHODS

Retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study. Patients who underwent ACDF between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed from the ACS-NSQIP database.Propensity score matchingand subgroup analysis were used.

RESULTS

21,180 patients met inclusion criteria. 11,194 patients underwent single-level ACDF and 9986 patients underwent multi-level ACDF. In the single-level group, there were 6168 (55.1%) males and 5026 (44.9%) females. In the multi-level group, there were 5033 (50.4%) males and 4953 (49.6%) females. In both single/multi-level groups, females were more likely to be of older age, be functionally dependent, and have higher BMI and lower preoperative hematocrit level. Males were more likely to be Caucasian, smokers, have myelopathy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and bleeding disorders. In both single/multi-level groups, except for the higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in females and myocardial infarction (MI) in males, there were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Several differences in demographics and baseline health status exist between males and females undergoing ACDF. When attempting to control for comorbid conditions, we found that sex by itself is not an independent risk factor for higher perioperative morbidity or mortality in patients undergoing ACDF, except for the higher incidence of UTI in females and MI in males. These results are important findings for clinicians and spine surgeons while counseling patients undergoing this type of procedure.

Influence of tranexamic acid use on venous thromboembolism risk in patients undergoing surgery for spine tumors

OBJECTIVE

Patients with spine tumors are at increased risk for both hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been advanced as a potential intervention to reduce intraoperative blood loss in this surgical population, but many fear it is associated with increased VTE risk due to the hypercoagulability noted in malignancy. In this study, the authors aimed to 1) develop a clinical calculator for postoperative VTE risk in the population with spine tumors, and 2) investigate the association of intraoperative TXA use and postoperative VTE.

METHODS

A retrospective data set from a comprehensive cancer center was reviewed for adult patients treated for vertebral column tumors. Data were collected on surgery performed, patient demographics and medical comorbidities, VTE prophylaxis measures, and TXA use. TXA use was classified as high-dose (≥ 20 mg/kg) or low-dose (< 20 mg/kg). The primary study outcome was VTE occurrence prior to discharge. Secondary outcomes were deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for VTE and the resultant model was deployed as a web-based calculator.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty patients were included. The mean patient age was 57 years, 53% of patients were male, and 67% of surgeries were performed for spinal metastases. TXA use was not associated with increased VTE (14.3% vs 10.1%, p = 0.37). After multivariable analysis, VTE was independently predicted by lower serum albumin (odds ratio [OR] 0.42 per g/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.79, p = 0.007), larger mean corpuscular volume (OR 0.91 per fl, 95% CI 0.84-0.99, p = 0.035), and history of prior VTE (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.53-4.40, p < 0.001). Longer surgery duration approached significance and was included in the final model. Although TXA was not independently associated with the primary outcome of VTE, high-dose TXA use was associated with increased odds of both DVT and PE. The VTE model showed a fair fit of the data with an area under the curve of 0.77.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present cohort of patients treated for vertebral column tumors, TXA was not associated with increased VTE risk, although high-dose TXA (≥ 20 mg/kg) was associated with increased odds of DVT or PE. Additionally, the web-based clinical calculator of VTE risk presented here may prove useful in counseling patients preoperatively about their individualized VTE risk.

Risk factors for prolonged length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for intramedullary spinal cord tumors

Primary spine tumors are rare neoplasms that affect about 0.62 per 100,000 individuals in the US. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are the rarest of all primary tumors involving the spine and can cause pain, imbalance, urinary dysfunction and neurological deficits. These types of tumors oftentimes necessitate surgical treatment, yet there is a lack of data on hospital length of stay and complication rates following treatment. Given that treatment candidacy, quality of life, and outcomes are tied so closely to potential for prolonged length of stay and postoperative complications, it is important to better understand the factors that increase the risk of these outcomes in patients with IMSCTs.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all patients undergoing surgery for treatment of intramedullary spinal cord tumors between 2005 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess patient risk factors influencing prolonged length of stay and post-op complications.

RESULTS

A total of 638 patients were included in the analysis. Pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status classification of 3 and above (OR 1.89; p = 0.0005), dependent functional status (OR 2.76; p = 0.0035) and transfer from facilities other than home (OR 8.12; p <0.0001) were independent predictors of prolonged length of stay (>5 days). The most commonly reported complications were pneumonia (5.7%), urinary tract infection (9.4%), septic shock (3.8%), superficial incisional infection (5.7%), organ or space infection (5.7%), pulmonary embolism (11.3%), DVT requiring therapy (15.1%) and wound dehiscence (5.7%).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the significant influence of clinical variables on prolonged hospitalization of IMSCT patients. This should be factored into clinical and surgical decision making and when counseling patients of their expected outcomes.

Thirty- and 90-day Readmissions After Spinal Surgery for Spine Metastases: A National Trend Analysis of 4423 Patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in 30- and 90-day readmissions for spine metastases treated with decompression and/or fusion spine surgery in a nationwide readmission database.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with metastases to the spine represent a particularly vulnerable patient group that may encounter frequent readmissions. However, the 30- and 90-day rates for readmission following surgery for spine metastases have not been well described.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database years 2013 to 2015 was queried. Patients were grouped by no readmission (non-R), readmission within 30 days (30-R), and readmission within 31 to 90 days (90-R). Weighted multivariate analysis assessed impact of treatment approach and clinical factors associated with 30- and 90-day readmissions.

RESULTS

There were a total of 4423 patients with a diagnosis of spine metastases identified who underwent spine surgery, of which 1657 (37.5%) encountered either a 30-or 90-day unplanned readmission (30-R: n = 1068 [24-.1%]; 90-R: n = 589 [13.3%]; non-R: n = 2766). The most prevalent inpatient complications observed were postoperative infection (30-R: 16.3%, 90-R: 14.3%, non-R: 11.5%), acute post-hemorrhagic anemia (30-R: 13.4%, 90-R: 14.2%, non-R: 14.5%), and genitourinary complication (30-R: 5.7%, 90-R: 2.9%, non-R: 6.2%). The most prevalent 30-day and 90-day reasons for admission were sepsis (30-R: 10.2%, 90-R: 10.8%), postoperative infection (30-R: 13.7%, 90-R: 6.5%), and genitourinary complication (30-R: 3.9%, 90-R: 4.1%). On multivariate regression analysis, surgery type, age, hypertension, and renal failure were independently associated with 30-day readmission; rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular diseases, and coagulopathy were independently associated with 90-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrate several patient-level factors independently associated with unplanned hospital readmissions after surgical treatment intervention for spine metastases. Furthermore, we find that the most common reasons for readmission are sepsis, postoperative infection, and genitourinary complications.Level of Evidence: 3.

The impact of chronic steroid use on early postoperative complications in shoulder surgery

OBJECTIVES

Chronic steroid use has been associated with poor healing and worse long-term outcomes in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, but the specific risk profile and short-term complications related to chronic steroids in patients undergoing outpatient shoulder surgery are inadequately defined. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of chronic steroids on 30-day post-operative complications following arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients who underwent arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization, and associated procedures from 2011 to 2018. Patients on chronic steroids were compared with patients not on chronic steroids. Demographic data and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to isolate the effects of chronic steroid use on postoperative complications.

RESULTS

We identified 99,970 patients who underwent shoulder surgery during this period, of which 1.7% (1,662 patients) were on chronic steroids. Patients on chronic steroids were older (58.3 ± 0.30vs52.1 ± 0.05 years, p < 0.01), had higher average BMI (30.6 vs 30.1, p = 0.02), and were more likely to be female (54.9%vs38.0%, p < 0.01) and white (76.2%vs73.1%, p < 0.01). Patients on steroids had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and higher rates of diabetes, CHF, COPD, hypertension, bleeding disorders, and functionally dependency (all P < 0.01). Patients on chronic steroids were less likely to smoke (P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that chronic steroid use was an independent risk factor for major (OR 2.20[1.51-3.21], p < 0.001), minor (OR 2.32[1.13-3.2], p < 0.001), and infectious complications (OR 1.90[1.13-3.2], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative chronic steroid use is independently associated with increased odds of major, minor, and infectious complications after open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization, and associated procedures. Patients on chronic steroids should be counseled about their increased risk for these complications, and both preoperative risk stratification and optimization should be employed to minimize perioperative risk.

Cost and Health Care Resource Utilization Differences After Spine Surgery for Bony Spine versus Primary Intradural Spine Tumors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and hospital costs after spine surgery for bony spine tumors and intradural spinal neoplasms.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2017. All adult inpatients who underwent surgical intervention for a primary intradural spinal tumor or primary/metastatic bony spine tumor were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis/procedural coding systems. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total cost of hospitalization were assessed. Backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of perioperative complication, extended LOS (≥75th percentile), and increased cost (≥75th percentile).

RESULTS

A total of 9855 adult patients were included in the study; 3850 (39.1%) were identified as having a primary intradural spinal tumor and 6005 (60.9%) had a primary or metastatic bony spine tumor. Those treated for bony tumors had more comorbidities (≥3, 67.8% vs. 29.2%) and more commonly experienced ≥1 complications (29.9% vs. 7.9%). Multivariate analyses also showed those in the bony spine cohort had a higher odds of experiencing ≥1 complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04-5.97; P < 0.001), extended LOS (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.75-3.38; P < 0.001), and increased cost (OR, 5.32; 95% CI, 3.67-7.71; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to patients being treated for primary intradural tumors, those undergoing spine surgery for bony spine tumors experience significantly higher risk for perioperative complications, extended LOS, and increased cost of hospital admission. Further identification of patient and treatment characteristics that may optimize management of spine oncology may reduce adverse outcomes, improve patient care, and reduce health care resources.

Analysis of unplanned hospital readmissions up to 2-years after metastatic spine tumour surgery

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate rates, causes, and risk factors of unplanned hospital readmissions (UHR) within 30 days, 90 days, 1 year and 2 years after metastatic spine tumour surgery (MSTS) to augment multi-disciplinary treatment planning and improve patient education.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 272-patients who underwent MSTS between 2005 and 2016. Hospital records were utilised to obtain demographics, oncological, procedural details, and postoperative outcomes. All UHR within 2 years were reviewed. Primary outcomes were rates, causes, and risk factors of UHR. Risk factors for UHR were evaluated utilising multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-day, 90 day, 1 year, and 2 year UHR-rates after MSTS were 17.2%, 31.1%, 46.2%, and 52.7%, respectively. Lung cancer primaries had the highest UHR-events (24.7%) whilst renal/thyroid displayed the least (6.6%). Disease-related causes (16.2%) were the most common reason for readmissions across all timeframes, followed by respiratory (13.7%) and progression of metastatic spine disease (12.7%). Urological conditions accounted for majority of readmissions within 30-days; disease-related causes, symptomatic spinal metastases, and respiratory conditions represented the most common causes at 30-90 days, 90 days-1 year, and 1-2 years, respectively. An ECOG >1 (p = 0.057), CCI >7 (p = 0.01), and primary lung tumour (p = 0.02) significantly increased UHR-risk on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Seventy-four percent of patients had at least one UHR within 2 years of MSTS and majority were secondary to disease-related causes. Majority of first UHR occurred between 30 and 90 days post-surgery. Local disease progression and overall disease progression account for the highest UHR-events at 90 days-1 year and 1-2 year timeframes, respectively. We define UHR in specific timeframes, thus enabling better surveillance and reducing unnecessary morbidity.

Readmission-Free Survival Analysis in Metastatic Spine Tumour Surgical Patients: A Novel Concept

BACKGROUND

Outcomes commonly used to ascertain success of metastatic spine tumour surgery (MSTS) are 30-day complications/mortality and overall/disease-free survival. We believe a new, effective outcome indicator after MSTS would be the absence of unplanned hospital readmission (UHR) after index discharge. We introduce the concept of readmission-free survival (ReAFS), defined as 'the time duration between hospital discharge after index operation and first UHR or death'. The aim of this study is to identify factors influencing ReAFS in MSTS patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 266 consecutive patients who underwent MSTS between 2005 and 2016. Demographics, oncological characteristics, procedural, preoperative and postoperative details were collected. ReAFS of patients within 2 years or until death was reviewed. Perioperative factors predictive of reduced ReAFS were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 266 patients, 230 met criteria for analysis. A total of 201 had UHR, whilst 1 in 8 (29/230) had no UHR. Multivariate analysis revealed that haemoglobin ≥ 12 g/dL, ECOG score of ≤ 2, primary prostate, breast and haematological cancers, comorbidities ≤ 3, absence of preoperative radiotherapy and shorter postoperative length of stay significantly prolonged the time to first UHR.

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission-free survival is a novel concept in MSTS, which relies on patients' general condition, appropriateness of interventional procedures and underlying disease burden. Additionally, it may indicate the successful combination of a multi-disciplinary treatment approach. This information will allow oncologists and surgeons to identify patients who may benefit from increased surveillance following discharge to increase ReAFS. We envisage that ReAFS is a concept that can be extended to other surgical oncological fields.

Thirty-day Outcomes After Surgery for Metastatic Bone Disease of the Extremities: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic bone disease of the extremities is a notable cause of morbidity and mortality. Surgical management is not curative; therefore, risks and benefits of surgery must be carefully considered. Previous studies of surgical outcomes are limited by small sample sizes because of the rare incidence of these procedures. In this study, we aim to describe the rates of complications and mortality in the first 30 days after surgical treatment of metastatic bone disease of the femur and humerus.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2016 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative factors, surgical parameters, and postoperative complications were extracted. The cohort was also partitioned by surgical site and surgical modality.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred fifty-four patients were identified, 13.1 percent of patients experienced one or more complications within 30 days of surgery. The most common complications were urinary tract infection (2.9%), deep vein thrombosis (2.5%), pneumonia (2.4%), pulmonary embolism (2.0%), and surgical site infections (1.9%). In addition, intraoperative or postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion occurred in 32.9% of cases. The rates of unplanned readmission and unplanned revision surgery were 12.7% and 4.1%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 7.1%. Femur and arthroplasty cases were associated with a higher risk of bleeding requiring transfusion. Prophylactic stabilization was associated with a lower risk of unplanned revision surgery (P = 0.015) and a lower overall complication rate (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates a higher 30-day mortality rate than previously reported. In additon, prophylactic stabilization of impending pathologic fractures may be associated with a lower risk of complications and unplanned revision surgery. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program or other large database reports can help surgeons counsel patients appropriately regarding the risks and benefits of surgery.

Surgical complications and re-operation rates in spinal metastases surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to review the incidence of complications and unplanned re-operations after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors.

BACKGROUND

The spinal column is the most common osseous site for metastatic spread. The goals of the treatment of spinal metastases are largely palliative. The surgical aims include establishing a diagnosis, providing stability, relieving neurological compression and deterioration, decreasing pain and increasing patient independence. Patients with spinal metastases who undergo surgery are considered high risk, with higher morbidity and mortality rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken; PubMed and Embase databases were searched between (2010-2020) for relevant publications in English language with the following search items: metastasis OR metastases AND spine AND surgery AND complications OR revision. Using a standard PRISMA template, 2293 articles were identified. Full-text articles of interest were assessed for inclusion criteria of greater than 30 patients.

RESULTS

A final number of 19 articles fully met the search criteria. Four were level II evidence, and the remaining were level III/IV. Surgical site infection 6.5% (135/2088) was reported as the main complication following surgery for spinal metastases followed by neurological deterioration 3.3% (53/1595) and instrumentation failure 2.0% (30/1501). Re-operation rate was 8.3% (54/651), with SSI (27.8%) being the most common reason for revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with spinal metastases frequently present with complex therapeutic challenges requiring multidisciplinary team assessment. Surgical site infection (6.5%) was the main reason for a re-operation in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases.

A cross-sectional analysis of variables associated with morbidity and mortality in postoperative neurosurgical patients diagnosed with sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a systemic, inflammatory response to infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a considerable lack of literature exploring sepsis in neurosurgery. We aimed to identify variables that were correlated with mortality and increased morbidity as defined by readmission and increased length of stay in postoperative neurosurgical patients that met a sepsis diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 105 patients who underwent a neurosurgical operation at our institution from 2012 to 2017 who were discharged with at least one sepsis diagnosis code and who did not have a preoperative infection. We identified variables that were correlated with mortality, readmission, and increased length of stay.

RESULTS

Patients who survived were preferentially distributed towards lower ASA Physical Status Classification scores. A larger percentage of patients who did not survive had cranial surgery, whereas patients who survived were more likely to have undergone spinal surgery. Higher respiratory rates, higher maximum lactic acid levels, positive sputum cultures, and lower incoming Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) were significantly correlated with mortality. A larger fraction of readmitted patients had positive surgical site cultures but had negative sputum cultures. Length of hospitalization was correlated with incoming GCS, non-elective operations, and Foley catheter, arterial line, central line, and endotracheal tube duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical postoperative patients diagnosed with sepsis may be risk stratified for mortality, readmission, and increased length of stay based on certain variables that may help direct their care. Further prospective studies are needed to explore causal relationships.

Trends in Comorbidities and Complications Among Patients Undergoing Inpatient Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database study.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify trends in demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications among patients undergoing ACDF and PLF.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

As demand for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) surgery continues to increase, it is important to understand changes in the healthcare system and patient populations undergoing these procedures.

METHODS

We identified 220,520 ACDF and 151,547 PLF surgeries (2006-2016; Premier Healthcare database). Annual proportions or medians were calculated for patient and hospital characteristics, and (Elixhauser) comorbidities. Postoperative complications, including blood transfusions, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, or wound complications, hemorrhage, stroke, sepsis, thromboembolism, delirium, inpatient falls, and mortality, were reported per 1000 inpatient days. Trends were assessed by Cochran-Armitage tests and linear regression for binary and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

The median age of patients undergoing ACDF and PLF increased significantly from 2006 to 2016 (50 to 57 yr and 58 to 61 yr, respectively; P < 0.001) coinciding with an increasing comorbidity burden (30.2% to 47.9% and 44.9% to 55.7%, respectively representing the share of patients with ≥2 Elixhauser comorbidities; P < 0.001). Overall rate of any complication experienced a significant decline after both ACDF (24.5 to 20.8 per 1000 inpatient days; P = 0.002) and PLF (30.5 to 23.1 per 1000 inpatient days; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The comorbidity burden of patients undergoing ACDF and PLF increased substantially from 2006 to 2016, however without a corresponding increase in overall complication rate. Understanding these changes can help guide future practice, advise in the allocation of resources, and inform future areas of research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Relationships between predischarge and postdischarge infectious complications, length of stay, and unplanned readmissions in the ACS NSQIP database

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications, length of index hospital stay, and unplanned hospital readmissions are important metrics reflecting surgical care quality. Postoperative infections represent a substantial proportion of all postoperative complications. We examined the relationships between identification of postoperative infection prehospital and posthospital discharge, length of stay, and unplanned readmissions in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database across nine surgical specialties.

METHODS

The 30-day postoperative infectious complications including sepsis, surgical site infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection were analyzed in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program inpatient data during the period from 2012 to 2017. General, gynecologic, vascular, orthopedic, otolaryngology, plastic, thoracic, urologic, and neurosurgical inpatient operations were selected.

RESULTS

Postoperative infectious complications were identified in 5.2% (137,014/2,620,450) of cases; 81,929 (59.8%) were postdischarge. The percentage of specific complications identified postdischarge were 73.4% of surgical site infections (range across specialties 63.7-93.1%); 34.9% of sepsis cases (27.4-58.1%); 26.5% of pneumonia cases (18.9%-36.3%); and 53.2% of urinary tract infections (48.3%-88.0%). The relative risk of readmission among patients with postdischarge versus predischarge surgical site infection, sepsis, pneumonia, or urinary tract infection was 5.13 (95% confidence interval: 4.90-5.37), 9.63 (8.93-10.40), 10.79 (10.15-11.45), and 3.32 (3.07-3.60), respectively. Over time, mean length of stay decreased but postdischarge infections and readmission rates significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

Most postoperative infectious complications were diagnosed postdischarge. These were associated with an increased risk of readmission. The trend toward shorter length of stay over time was observed along with an increase both in the percentage of infections detected after discharge and the rate of unplanned related postoperative readmissions over time. Postoperative surveillance of infections should extend beyond hospital discharge of surgical patients.

A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis of Postoperative Major and Minor Complications in Patients with Spinal Metastatic Disease

BACKGROUND

Major complications after spine metastasis surgery are prioritized in the literature with little consideration of the more frequent minor events such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection. We analyzed incidence and risk factors of postsurgical complications in patients with spinal metastasis extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We also developed a useful predictive model to estimate the probability of occurrence of complications.

METHODS

A total of 1176 patients diagnosed with spinal metastasis were extracted from NSQIP. Variables screened included age, sex, tumor location, patient's functional status, comorbidities, laboratory values, and case urgency. Two multivariate logistic regression models were designed to evaluate risk factors and likelihood of event occurrence.

RESULTS

Minor events occurred twice as frequently compared with major complications (36% vs. 18% of patients). The most common major event was death (10%); the most frequent minor event was need for postoperative transfusion (29.4%). In the multivariate analysis, elderly age, emergency case, preoperative leukocytosis, and smoking status retained significance for major complications; American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 4-5, low hematocrit levels, and intradural extramedullary location of the tumor retained significance for minor complications. The predictive models designed explained 72% of the variability in major complications occurrence and 67% for minor events.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking status and emergent surgery were found to be the strongest independent predictors of major complications, whereas higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class showed a greater association with minor events. The predictive models produced can be a useful aid for surgeons to identify those patients who are at greater risk of developing postoperative adverse events.

Readmission following complex spine surgery in a prospective cohort of 679 patients - 2-years follow-up using the Spine AdVerse Event Severity (SAVES) system

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Recent studies suggest that prospective registration more accurately reflects the true incidence of adverse events (AEs). To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated prospectively registered AEs' influence on hospital readmission following spine surgery.

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency and type of unplanned readmissions after complex spine surgery, and to investigate if prospectively registered AEs can predict readmissions.

DESIGN

This is a prospective, consecutive cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

We conducted a single-center study of 679 consecutive patients who underwent complex spine surgery defined as conditions deemed too complicated for surgery at a secondary institute, or patients with severe comorbidities requiring multidisciplinary observation and treatment.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes in this study were (1) readmission to any hospital department within 30 days of discharge and (2) readmission to a surgical spine center at any time in follow-up.

METHODS

All patients undergoing complex spine surgery, at our tertiary referral center, were consecutively, and prospectively, included from January 1 to December 31, 2013. Demographics and perioperative AEs were registered using the Spine AdVerse Events Severity (SAVES) system. Patients were followed for a minimum of two years. A competing risk survival model was used to estimate rates of readmissions with death as a competing risk. Patient characteristics, surgical parameters and perioperative AEs were analyzed to identify factors associated with readmission. Analyses of 30-day readmission were performed using logistic regression models. A proportional odds model, with death as competing risk, was used for readmissions to a spine center at any time in follow-up. Results were reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Within 2 years of index discharge, 443 (65%) were readmitted. Only 20% of readmissions were to a spine center. Cumulative incidence (95% CI) of readmission was estimated to 13% (10%-16%) at 30 days, 26% (23%-30%) at 90 days, 50% (46%-54%) at 1 year, and 59% (55%-63%) at 2 years following discharge. Rates were markedly lower for readmissions to a spine center. Increased odds of 30-day readmission were correlated to intraoperative hypotension (p=.02) and major intraoperative blood loss (p<.01). Readmission to a spine center was associated with the number of instrumented vertebrae (p=.047), major intraoperative AE (p=.01), and intraoperative hypotension (p<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze prospectively registered AEs' association to readmission up to 2 years after complex spine surgery. We found that readmissions were more frequent than previously reported when including readmissions to any department or hospital. Factors related to major intraoperative blood loss were associated to increased odds of readmission. This should be considered during planning of postoperative observation and care.

Development and validation of prediction scores for nosocomial infections, reoperations, and adverse events in the daily clinical setting of neurosurgical patients with cerebral and spinal tumors

OBJECTIVE

Various quality indicators are currently under investigation, aiming at measuring the quality of care in neurosurgery; however, the discipline currently lacks practical scoring systems for accurately assessing risk. The aim of this study was to develop three accurate, easy-to-use risk scoring systems for nosocomial infections, reoperations, and adverse events for patients with cerebral and spinal tumors.

METHODS

The authors developed a semiautomatic registry with administrative and clinical data and included all patients with spinal or cerebral tumors treated between September 2017 and May 2019. Patients were further divided into development and validation cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to develop risk scores by assigning points based on β coefficients, and internal validation of the scores was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 1000 patients were included. An unplanned 30-day reoperation was observed in 6.8% of patients. Nosocomial infections were documented in 7.4% of cases and any adverse event in 14.5%. The risk scores comprise variables such as emergency admission, nursing care level, ECOG performance status, and inflammatory markers on admission. Three scoring systems, NoInfECT for predicting the incidence of nosocomial infections (low risk, 1.8%; intermediate risk, 8.1%; and high risk, 26.0% [p < 0.001]), LEUCut for 30-day unplanned reoperations (low risk, 2.2%; intermediate risk, 6.8%; and high risk, 13.5% [p < 0.001]), and LINC for any adverse events (low risk, 7.6%; intermediate risk, 15.7%; and high risk, 49.5% [p < 0.001]), showed satisfactory discrimination between the different outcome groups in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUC ≥ 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed risk scores allow efficient prediction of the likelihood of adverse events, to compare quality of care between different providers, and further provide guidance to surgeons on how to allocate preoperative care.