Spine published a study on best practices for outpatient anterior cervical surgery and cervical total disc replacement.
Research involved a panel of five neurosurgeons, three anesthesiologists, one orthopedic spine surgeon and a registered nurse. The study leveraged a three-round Delphi method to create best practices for outpatient anterior cervical surgery and cervical total disc replacement. The study established a 70 percent consensus for each determined best practice.
Here are five takeaways:
1. The panelists reviewed 94 consensus statements.
2. Of the total consensus statements, the panel agreed with 83 best practice statements.
3. Eleven statements did not receive consensus.
4. Every statement within the following perioperative categories received consensus:
• Preoperative assessment
• Home-care and follow-up
• Second-stage recovery
• Provider economics
• Patient education
• Discharge criteria
• Hypothermia prevention
5. Researchers concluded their study can serve as supplemental "evidence in support of local protocol development for providers considering a transition to the outpatient environment."