A new study published in Spine examines potential airway complications for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
The study authors examined data from a retrospective, multivariate analysis of a prospectively collected multicenter database of ACDF procedures. They included single and multilevel spinal fusions that occurred between 2011 and 2013. There were 12,185 spinal fusions included in the study.
The researchers found the following factors had an impact on ACDF airway complications:
1. Older age
2. Male gender
3. Dependent functional status
4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
5. Bleeding disorder
6. American Society of Anesthesiology Class III or more
7. Airway compromise after surgery
The researchers were surprised that multilevel and cortectomy procedures weren't significant predictors of the airway complications after surgery. "While ACDF is considered a safe procedure, postoperative airway complication can lead to disastrous outcome," concluded the study authors. "Continued efforts to elucidate preoperative risk factors and subsequent optimization are warranted to improve outcomes in ACDF."