One-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, according to a study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques.
Researchers collected data on 645 consecutive patients undergoing anterior discectomy and fusion for either stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus involving one level. The data was reviewed for complications that occurred within 48 hours of surgery.
Two of the patients developed epidural hematomas, which are considered acute complications. The hematomas occurred within the mandatory four hours of postoperative observation time. Six percent of the patients required unplanned admissions to hospitals, and more than 80 percent of those admissions were secondary to pain or nausea.
Researchers concluded that one-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, recommending a four-hour observation period after surgery. The rate of unplanned admissions can be decreased by more than one-third if autogenous iliac crest bone graft is not harvested, according to the article. The article also calls into question the use of postoperative drains for one-level anterior discectomy and fusion.
Read the abstract for "Safety of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Performed as Outpatient Surgery."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Cervical Pedicle Screws Unnecessary in Bilateral Application
- Study: Spondylolsis More Likely in Coronally Oriented Facet Joints
- Study: Visual Analog Scale and 5-Point Vertebral Rating Scale Not Interchangeable
Researchers collected data on 645 consecutive patients undergoing anterior discectomy and fusion for either stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus involving one level. The data was reviewed for complications that occurred within 48 hours of surgery.
Two of the patients developed epidural hematomas, which are considered acute complications. The hematomas occurred within the mandatory four hours of postoperative observation time. Six percent of the patients required unplanned admissions to hospitals, and more than 80 percent of those admissions were secondary to pain or nausea.
Researchers concluded that one-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, recommending a four-hour observation period after surgery. The rate of unplanned admissions can be decreased by more than one-third if autogenous iliac crest bone graft is not harvested, according to the article. The article also calls into question the use of postoperative drains for one-level anterior discectomy and fusion.
Read the abstract for "Safety of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Performed as Outpatient Surgery."
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Cervical Pedicle Screws Unnecessary in Bilateral Application
- Study: Spondylolsis More Likely in Coronally Oriented Facet Joints
- Study: Visual Analog Scale and 5-Point Vertebral Rating Scale Not Interchangeable