Spinal anesthesia for elective lumbar spine surgery

Study Objective: To evaluate a large series of elective lumbar spine surgical procedures by a single surgeon whose patients were all offered spinal anesthesia.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Measurements and Main Results: The records of all elective lumbar spine procedures between 1984 and 1995 performed by one surgeon (GRB) were obtained, and 803 were identified. Of those 803 patients, 611 accepted spinal anesthesia. Data collected included patient demographics, details of the spinal and general anesthesia, perioperative complications, and impact of the spinal anesthetic options on the outcome of spinal anesthesia. General and spinal anesthesia patients were comparable for age, gender, height, and ASA physical status. Patients who received spinal anesthesia were significantly heavier than the general anesthesia patients. Among perioperative complications, nausea and deep venous thrombosis occurred significantly more often in the general than spinal anesthesia patients. Mild hypotension and decreased heart rate (HR) were the most common hemodynamic changes with spinal anesthesia, whereas hypertension and increased HR were the result of general anesthesia. Among spinal anesthetic drugs, plain bupivacaine was associated with the lowest incidence of supplemental local anesthetic use intraoperatively compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine or hyperbaric tetracaine.

Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is an effective alternative to general anesthesia for lumbar spine surgery and has a reduced rate of minor complications.     

Psychological predictors of quality of life and functional outcome in patients undergoing elective surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease

European Spine Journal - To quantify the correlation between patients’ psychopathological predisposition, disability and health-related quality of life (QOL) after surgery for degenerative...     

Effect of autologous blood donation in patients undergoing elective spine surgery.

Autologous blood predeposit before elective surgery is a rapidly expanding transfusion practice. A 3-year analysis of an autologous blood predeposit program was conducted to assess its impact on orthopaedic spine surgery. It was concluded that, first, autologous blood donation has resulted in a reduction of homologous blood transfusions in patients undergoing elective spine procedures from 26% to 13% (P = .02). Second, autologous blood preoperative donation in elective spine surgery has increased significantly, so that autologous blood as an alternative to homologous blood transfusion now represents a standard of practice for elective spine surgery at the institution included in the study. Third, limitations of preoperative autologous blood procurement suggest that application of additional blood conservation interventions as alternatives to homologous blood would be important contributors to achieving "bloodless" surgery in this setting.     

Obesity and perioperative outcomes in older surgical patients undergoing elective spine and major arthroplasty surgery

Study objectiveTo determine whether obesity status is associated with perioperative complications, discharge outcomes and hospital length of stay in older surgical patients.DesignSecondary analysis of five independent study cohorts (N = 1262).SettingAn academic medical center between 2001 and 2017 in the United States.PatientsPatients aged 65 years or older who were scheduled to undergo elective spine, knee, or hip surgery with an expected hospital stay of at least 2 days.MeasurementsBody mass index (BMI) was stratified as nonobese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m²), obesity class 1 (30 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m²) or obesity class 2–3 (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²). Primary outcomes included predefined intraoperative and postoperative complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge location. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed.Main resultsObesity status was not associated with intraoperative adverse events. However, obesity class 2–3 significantly increased the risk for postoperative complications (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03–1.95, P = 0.03), hospital LOS (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25, P = 0.02) and non-home discharge destination (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.35–2.81, P < 0.001) after accounting for patient related factors and surgery type.ConclusionsObesity class 2–3 status has prognostic value in predicting an increased incidence of postoperative complications, increased hospital LOS, and non-home discharge location. These results have important clinical implications for preoperative informed consent and provide areas to target for care improvement for the older obese individual.     

Predictors of functional outcome in elderly patients undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery.

To ascertain the predictors of functional outcome in elderly patients undergoing posterior lumbar spinal decompression and fusion, a modified low back outcome score questionnaire survey in 83 elderly patients (49 men, 34 women) was carried out at our hospital. The average follow-up was 35.8 months (range: 22-57 months). The outcomes were as follows: excellent to good, 83%; fair, 7%; and poor, 10%. Multiple regression analysis revealed that significant predictors of unfavorable outcome included coexistence of other bone and joint degenerative disorders (p < 0.001) and history of heart disease (p < 0.01). Patients who had undergone previous lumbar surgery had significantly lower modified low back outcome score than those without previous lumbar spine surgery (p < 0.05). The modified low back outcome score questionnaire system is a reliable method in elderly patients.     

Neurological outcome after surgery for thoracic and lumbar spine injuries

Summary New techniques for internal fixation, employed by neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, provide reduction and stabilization with early mobilization of patients after injuries of the thoracolumbar spine. It has, however, appeared difficult to prove that the neurological outcome after surgery may be superior to conservative treatment.In this study the neurological results after surgery are evaluated in 30 patients with injuries of the spinal cord and/or cauda equina. Canal encroachment was found on tomograms or CT in all patients. The unstable fractures, dislocations or fracture-dislocations were all reduced and stabilized by the Harrington distraction device. However, peroperative inspection revealed that the Harrington instrumentation alone may be inadequate in achieving intraspinal decompression. Additional anterior decompression by posterolateral approach was necessary in 13 of the 30 patients (43%). In this series there was an unexpectedly high rate of dural tears. These were found in 8 patients (27%) and nerve roots (cauda equina) appeared to have herniated through the tear in 6 of the 8 patients. Significant improvement of the neurological deficit was obtained in 22 of the 30 patients (73%), and the improvement rate in patients with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord was 83% (25 of 30 patients). In this series there was a definite trend toward greater neurological recovery when compared to the results obtained in patients treated conservatively.The importance of a neurosurgical approach in diagnosis and treatment of these patients is stressed.     

Prevalence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery

Background

Spinal surgery is classified as a moderate risk for DVT. The occurrence of DVT after various spinal surgical procedures was reviewed retrospectively, and the perioperative risk factors in the high-risk group were identified. In addition, the administration of the factor Xa inhibitor to DVT subjects with unstable thrombosis was evaluated to reveal its effectiveness in the prevention of PTE and postoperative complications.

Predictors of blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective surgery for degenerative conditions of the spine

Background

The requirement of blood in the surgery of degenerative conditions of lumbar spine is around 10?%. Preoperative autologous blood donation is an effective method that is used in surgeries with an important blood loss. This is an expensive method because of the great number of predonated blood units not used in the postoperative period (around 70?% in our practice).

Objective

To know the risk factors associated with transfusion in the postoperative period in patients who undergo surgeries of degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine.

Methods

We designed a retrospective study of 142 cases of patients operated for degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine (not including simple disk hernia or adult degenerative scoliosis).

Results

Female sex, age >60?years, preoperative ASA score 3 and preoperative hemoglobin ≤136?g/L are the risk factors related to the need of blood transfusion in the postoperative period. After application of a statistical study, female sex and preoperative ASA score 3 were the most important variables to explain transfusional risk. A woman with ASA score 3 has a 61?% foretold probability to be transfused in the postoperative period, while a man with ASA?Conclusions Females, ASA 3, preoperative hemoglobin ≤136?g/L and age older than 60?years increase the risk to be transfused in the postoperative period for degenerative conditions of the spine.     

胸腔镜辅助下胸椎、上腰椎前路手术的体会

目的 探讨胸腔镜技术在胸、腰椎前路手术的适应证、操作要点以及单肺或双肺通气麻醉的选择。方法 对5例结核病人行胸腔镜下结核病灶清除术，其中2例同时行自体髂骨植骨术，1例以自固化磷酸钙人工骨(CPC)植入；对3例爆裂性骨折截瘫及1例L1陈旧性爆裂骨折并马尾综合征病人进行脊髓减压、自体髂骨植骨、钢板螺丝钉内固定术。结果 全部病例都得到随访，术后切口一期愈合，X光、CT检查也都显示病灶清除彻底，脊髓减压充分，复位满意，内固定可靠，位置良好。结论 胸椎、上腰椎结核或骨折，不论是否并发脊髓、马尾神经压迫的病例，均适宜在胸腔镜辅助下进行病灶清除、脊髓减压、脊柱前路内固定术。     

Outcome after limited posterior surgery for thoracic and lumbar spine metastases

Summary The efficacy of limited posterior surgery for metastases in the thoracic and lumbar spine was studied prospectively in 51 patients (32 men and 19 women, mean age 64 years). The most common primary tumors were prostate, breast, and renal carcinoma, 37 patients had metastases in the thoracic spine and 14 in the lumbar spine. Indications for surgery were severe pain or neurologic deficit. Of the 46 patients with neurologic symptoms, 25 were unable to walk. Surgery was confined to direct or indirect decompression and stabilization with a pedicle screw fixator over few segments as possible. Pain, as well as a variety of functional performance parameters and residential status were registered preoperatively and after surgery at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and at 6-monthly intervals thereafter. Pain was rated by the patient on a Visual Analog Scale, and functional performance was assessed with the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status Scale. We had no perioperative neurologic deterioration or death. Nineteen of the 25 nonambulatory patients regained their walking ability. Postoperative pain relief was significant and lasting over time. Nearly half of the patients attained improvement in functional performance. The median survival was 8 months. Older age and intact postoperative walking ability were positive factors for survival.     

超声引导下竖脊肌平面阻滞对腰椎后路手术全麻效果及术后恢复的影响

目的探讨超声引导下竖脊肌平面(erector spine plane,ESP)阻滞在腰椎后路手术中的应用效果。方法选择全麻下行腰椎两个节段以内手术的患者60例,男29例,女31例,年龄18～70岁,BMI 20～27kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为两组:ESP阻滞联合PCIA组(EP组)和PCIA组(P组)。两组均采用静-吸复合麻醉,术毕均使用PCIA,EP组在麻醉诱导前于俯卧位下行ESP阻滞。记录术中血流动力学不稳定次数;记录阿片类药物和肌松药使用量;记录术后48h以内按压次数和补救性镇痛给药次数;记录住院时间、首次下床活动时间、首次排气时间;记录术后48h以内恶心呕吐等不良反应发生情况。结果 EP组术中血流动力学不稳定次数明显少于P组(P0.05);EP组的瑞芬太尼用量、顺式阿曲库铵维持剂量、顺式阿曲库铵使用总量均明显少于P组(P0.01);EP组按压次数和补救性镇痛帕瑞昔布钠给药次数明显少于P组(P0.05);EP组住院时间、术后首次下床活动时间、首次排气时间明显短于P组(P0.05);两组术后不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义。结论全麻复合超声引导下竖脊肌平面阻滞可以维持腰椎后路手术更平稳,有利于术后早期恢复。     

Epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Epidural anesthesia has been reported to exert beneficial effects in surgical procedures. Over the past 3 years at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington, DC, thoracic surgical procedures have been done using a combined technique of epidural anesthesia with light general anesthesia. A retrospective review of this experience from January 1984 to November 1987 was done in 90 consecutive patients. Postoperative extubation of patients was accomplished immediately in 32%, within 1 hour in 34%, within 3 hours in 28%, within 18 hours in 4%, and was prolonged in only 1% of patients. Mortality was 2% and morbidity was 3%. This analysis indicates that the technique of epidural anesthesia with light general anesthesia provided satisfactory anesthesia with low mortality and morbidity in a high-risk group of patients undergoing surgery.     

The use of allograft bone in lumbar spine surgery

Bone grafting is an integral part of many lumbar spinal surgeries. The two choices of bone are autograft and allograft. Each source has its own advantages and disadvantages. The current study is a literature review of allograft bone use in lumbar spine surgery. Allograft bone can be procured in greater quantities than autograft. With standard protocols of harvesting, the risk of disease transfer is negligible. Only fresh-frozen and freeze-dried products are used. Allografts are incorporated slower and to a lesser degree than autografts. Fresh-frozen grafts are stronger, more immunogenic and more completely incorporated than freeze-dried grafts. Allografts used alone or combined with autografts for posterior lumbar spinal procedures have decreased fusion rates compared with autografts. If used anteriorly, allografts are well suited for reconstructive procedures and have good fusion rates, especially if combined with posterior fusions. If used in the proper situations, allograft bone can be used successfully in lumbar spine surgeries.     

Blood transfusions and postoperative infections in patients undergoing elective surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infections result from the interactions of bacteria, the surgical technique, and host defense mechanisms. Thus, identifying single determinant factors has proved difficult. MAGNITUDE OF THE RISK: In a recent survey of 2,809 colorectal resections, transfusion was the single most powerful risk factor for postoperative infection. In patients undergoing primary hip or knee prosthesis insertion, the transfusion of allogeneic blood increased the risk of a deep-seated infection by a factor of 12. MECHANISMS: Several host defense mechanisms are impaired by blood products. The initial hypothesis incriminated the transfused white blood cells, but this paradigm has since been challenged. The effects of free serum iron, the blood storage time, and the presence in stored blood of bioactive substances such as inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 may also be important. CONCLUSION: It is worth pursuing efforts to emphasize autologous blood transfusion and the reinfusion of shed blood as blood conservation strategies, as these practices reduce the risk of infectious complications.     

Optimal hemoglobin A1C target in diabetics undergoing elective cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for suboptimal outcomes following cervical spine surgery. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a surrogate for long-term glycemic control, is a valuable assessment tool in diabetic patients.PURPOSEIn patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, we sought to identify optimal HbA1c levels to: (1) maximize 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and (2) predict the occurrence of medical and surgical complications.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed in a single academic center.Patient SampleDiabetic patients undergoing elective anterior cervical fusion and posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF) between October 2010-March 2021 were included.OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-Neck pain, NRS-Arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90-days postoperatively.METHODSHbA1c, demographic, comorbidity, and perioperative variables were gathered in diabetic patients only. PROs were analyzed as continuous variables and minimum clinically difference (MCID) was set at 30% improvement from baseline.RESULTSOf 1992 registry patients undergoing cervical surgery, 408 diabetic patients underwent cervical fusion surgery. Anterior: A total of 259 diabetic patients underwent anterior cervical fusion, 141 of which had an available HbA1c level within one year prior to surgery. Mean age was 55.8±10.1, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.4. HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with failure to achieve MCID for NDI (AUC=0.77, 95%CI 0.70–0.84, p<.001), and HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with increased odds of reoperation (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.52–0.69, p=.078). Posterior: A total of 149 diabetic patients underwent PCLF, 65 of which had an available HbA1c level within 1 year. Mean age was 63.6±9.2, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.5. Despite a low AUC for NRS-Arm pain and readmission, HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with failure to achieve MCID for NRS-Arm pain (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.49–0.73, p=.094), and HbA1c levels above 7.6 may be associated with higher readmission rate (AUC=0.63, 95%CI 0.50–0.75, p=.185).CONCLUSIONSIn a cohort of diabetic patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with decreased odds of achieving MCID for NDI in anterior cervical fusion surgery. Though only moderate associations were seen for the select outcomes of reoperation (6.8), readmission (7.6), and MCID for NRS-Arm pain (6.8), preoperative optimization of HbA1c using these levels as benchmarks should be considered to reduce the risk of complications and maximize PROs for patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery.     

Anesthesia for video-assisted surgery of the thoracic and lumbar spine: a survey of 44 patients

INTRODUCTION: The development of video-assisted surgery of the dorsolumbar spine has led to the need for adaptations for appropriate anesthetic management. Data concerning anesthesia for such surgery is very sparse in the literature. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study of 44 patients was to learn more about anesthesia practices used for patients undergoing this type of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The files of 44 patients were studied retrospectively. Epidemiologic data and the perioperative phase were analysed. RESULTS: The preoperative phase was not specific with preoperative assessment adapted to each patient. Similarly, monitoring practices during the surgical procedure were not specific. The choice of the anesthetic agents depended on the patient's clinical status. For tracheal intubation, care was taken to enable lung exclusion, even if not often used. Thoracic drainage at the end of the surgery was required in the event of imperfect hemostasis and in selected patients was replaced by pneumothorax exsufflation during closure. The postoperative period was uneventful and did not require admission to intensive care; non-specific analgesia was used. DISCUSSION: Adaptations of anesthetic practices are required each time a new surgical technique is developed. Excepting lung exclusion, anesthesia for video-assisted dorsolumbar spine surgery is not specific.