A new study published in Spine examines the risk factors for readmission after anterior lumbar interbody fusions.
Study authors examined data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including outcomes information from around 400 hospitals nationwide. Study authors found:
1. Factors that independently predicted unplanned 30-day readmissions included morbid obesity and alcohol use.
2. Factors that weren't significant predictors of 30-day readmissions include:
• Sex
• Pulmonary comorbidity
• Cardiac comorbidity
• Steroid use
3. In conclusion, the study authors advised future studies directly compare readmission rates and the risk factors for ALIF to other surgical approaches, and include data with longer follow-up.