Elective Spine Surgery Research Articles

Optimizing Preoperative Chronic Pain Management in Elective Spine Surgery Patients

» Chronic preoperative opioid use negatively affects outcomes after spine surgery, with increased complications and reoperations, longer hospital stays, decreased return-to-work rates, worse patient-reported outcomes, and a higher risk of continued opioid use postoperatively.» The definition of chronic opioid use is not consistent across studies, and a more specific and consistent definition will aid in stratifying patients and understanding their risk of inferior outcomes.» Preoperative weaning periods and maximum dose thresholds are being established, which may increase the likelihood of achieving a meaningful improvement after surgery, although higher level evidence studies are needed.» Spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal drug delivery devices are increasingly used to manage chronic back pain and are equivalent or perhaps even superior to opioid treatment, although few studies exist examining how patients with these devices do after subsequent spine surgery.» Further investigation is needed to determine whether a true mechanistic explanation exists for spine-related analgesia related to spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal drug delivery devices.

Prediction of hematocrit decline and the impact of peri-operative fluid use in lumbar spinal fusion surgery

PurposePeri-operative blood loss unaccounted for and post-operative hematocrit decline could have a significant impact on the outcome of elective spinal surgery patients. The study assesses the accuracy of predictive models of hematocrit decline and blood loss in spinal surgery and determines the impact of peri-operative fluid administration on hematocrit levels of patients undergoing first-time single level lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spine disease and the trend thereof in the first 24 h post-operatively.MethodsClinical and biochemical parameters were prospectively collected in patients undergoing single level lumbar spinal surgery. Predictive models were applied to assess their accuracy in intra-operative blood loss and post-operative hematocrit decline.ResultsHigh correlation (0.98 Pearson correlation coefficient) occurred between calculated (predicted) and recorded hematocrit from hours 2 to 6 post-operatively. Predictive accuracy declined thereafter yet remained moderate. Patients received an average intra-operative fluid volume of 545.45 ml per hour (47% of estimated total blood volume). A significant hematocrit decline occurred post-induction (43.47–39.78%, p < 0.001) with total fluid volume received being the significant contributing variable (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients were the only subgroup to drop below the safe hematocrit threshold of 30%.ConclusionIatrogenic hemodilution can accurately be predicted for the first six hours post-operatively, with high risk patients identifiable. Fluid therapy should be goal directed rather than generic, and good communication between the surgeon and anesthesiologist remains the cornerstone to manage physiological changes secondary to blood loss. Although helpful, predictive formulas are not universally applicable to all phenotypes.

Systemic Hypertension and Postoperative Symptomatic Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Scoping Review.

Postoperative symptomatic spinal epidural hematoma (PSSEH) is a serious complication of spinal surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. Studies suggest that hypertension is a risk factor for the development of PSSEH. The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature reporting associations between hypertension and PSSEH. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies that investigated PSSEH and reported data on preoperative hypertension status and/or perioperative blood pressure (BP). Eighteen studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Observational data suggested that uncontrolled/untreated preoperative hypertension, extubation-related increases in systolic BP, and elevated postoperative systolic BP were associated with an increased risk of PSSEH. The overall quality of evidence was low because of the retrospective nature of the studies, heterogeneity, and lack of precision in reporting. Despite the limitations of the current evidence, our findings could be important in establishing preoperative BP targets for elective spine surgery and inform perioperative clinical decision-making, while allowing consideration of risk factors for PSSEH. Well-controlled studies are required to investigate further the relationship between BP and PSSEH.

Limited effect of sugammadex on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing spine surgery in prone position intraoperatively: A retrospective analysis of matched cohort data.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) increase postoperative mortality, hospital stays, and healthcare costs. Whether the use of sugammadex could reduce PPCs remains controversial. This study aimed to determine if sugammadex could more effectively reduce PPCs than acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEi) in patients who had undergone spine surgery, in prone position intraoperatively. From March 2019 to February 2021, adult patients who underwent elective spine surgery were eligible. Primary outcomes were PPCs (including atelectasis on chest radiograph, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and aspiration pneumonitis) and respiratory failure that occurred within 28 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, in-hospital death, and readmission rate within 30 days. Patients were divided into 2 groups (Sugammadex group and AChEi group) and compared by 1:1 propensity score matching. Of a total of 823 patients who underwent spinal surgery, 627 were included. After 1:1 propensity matching, 142 patients were extracted for each group. PPCs occurred in 9 (6.3%) patients in both groups (P = 1.000). Respiratory failure occurred in 7 (4.9%) patients in the Sugammadex group and 5 (3.5%) patients in the AChEi group (P = .77). There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes between the 2 groups. Although there have been some evidences showing that the use of sugammadex can attenuate the development of PPCs, this study did not show positive effects of sugammadex on patients who underwent spine surgery in the prone position.

Spinal anesthesia in elective lumbar spinal surgery.

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is gaining recognition as a safe and efficacious regional alternative to general anesthesia for elective lumbar surgery. However, unfamiliarity with management issues related to its use has limited the adoption of awake spine surgery, despite its benefits. Few centers in the United States routinely offer SA for elective lumbar surgery, and a comprehensive workflow to standardize SA for lumbar surgery is lacking. In this article, we examine recent literature on the use of SA in lumbar surgery, review the experience of our institution with SA in lumbar surgery, and provide a cohesive outline to streamline the implementation of SA from the perspective of the anesthesiologist. We review the critical features of SA in contemporary lumbar surgery, including selection of patients, methods of SA, intraoperative sedation, and management of several important technical considerations. We aimed to flatten the learning curve to improve the availability and accessibility of the technique for eligible patients.

OTHER-07 NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY CAPACITY IN KENYA: RESULTS FROM A NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF CONSULTANTS AND RESIDENTS.

Abstract Neurosurgical oncology services (NOS) in Kenya have grown in tandem with resident training programs yet little is known objectively on current capacity and challenges. A 37-item electronic survey was distributed to neurosurgical consultants and residents practicing in Kenya. Among 49 respondents [27 consultants (69% national response rate), 22 residents; median age of 36 – 40; 51% practice &amp;lt; 5 years], 100% and 88% had access to CT scan and MRI brain respectively. 57% performed more than 40 cranial tumor surgeries annually and 48/49 (98%) perform oncology cases on a “regular basis”. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and pathology are performed within the respondents’ institutions in 63%, 65% and 61% of surveys, while the rest are sent out. 45 (96%) utilize an operating microscope, and 8 (17%) have an ultrasonic aspirator. Palliative care services are available for 45 (92%). 41 (84%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that delays in referrals between specialties are a major challenge to practice. 38 (78%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that treatment abandonment is also a major challenge. 49% participate in a tumor registry however major barriers to conducting research included lack of funding and protected research time. Having a mentor is perceived as the greatest facilitator for conducting research. No respondents enrolled any patient in a clinical oncology trial during the past year yet nearly every neurosurgeon performs oncology cases and 60% of Kenyan neurosurgeons carry a major tumor case load, in contrast to countries where elective spine surgery predominates neurosurgical practice. Clinical trial enrolment remains uncharted in Kenyan neurosurgery and more than 2/3 of Kenyan counties lack NOS. This survey highlights progress in availability of neurosurgical oncology services while identifying that containing treatment cost, reducing referral delays, and embedding clinical research in clinical practice through mentorship can be NOS growth catalysts.

Subfascial Lumbar Spine Drain Output Does Not Affect Outcomes After Incidental Durotomies in Elective Spine Surgery

Postoperative drains have long been regarded as a preventive measure to mitigate the risks of complications such as neurological impairment by reducing fluid accumulation following spine surgery. Our study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining the effects of postoperative drain output on the 90-day postoperative outcomes for patients who experienced an incidental durotomy after lumbar decompression procedures, with or without fusion. All patients aged ≥18 years with an incidental durotomy from spinal decompression with or without fusion surgery between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. The patient demographics, surgical characteristics, method of dural tear repair (DuraSeal, suture, and/or DuraGen), surgical outcomes, and drain data were collected via medical record review. Patients were grouped by readmission status and final 8-hour drain output. Those with a final 8-hour drain output of ≥40 mL were included in the high drain output (HDO) group and those with <40 mL were in the low drain output (LDO) group. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative patient demographics, surgical characteristics, method of dural tear repair, length of stay (HDO, 4.02 ± 1.90 days; vs. LDO, 4.26 ± 2.10 days; P= 0.269), hospital readmissions (HDO, 10.6%; vs. LDO, 7.96%; P= 0.744), or occurrence of reoperation during readmission (HDO, 6.06%; vs. LDO, 2.65%; P= 0.5944) between the 2 groups. For patients undergoing primary lumbar decompression with or without fusion and experiencing an incidental durotomy, no significant association was found between the drain output and 90-day patient outcomes. Adequate fascial closure and the absence of symptoms may be satisfactory criteria for standard patient discharge regardless of drain output.

Effect of acute normovolemic hemodilution on anesthetic effect, plasma concentration, and recovery quality in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) on the anesthetic effect, plasma concentration, and postoperative recovery quality in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.MethodsA total of 60 cases of elderly patients aged 65 to 75 years who underwent elective multilevel spinal surgery were assigned randomly into the ANH group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Hemodynamic and blood gas analysis indexes were observed and recorded before ANH (T1), after ANH (T2), immediately after postoperative autologous blood transfusion (T3), 10 min (T4), 20 min (T5), 30 min (T6), 40 min (T7), and 50 min (T8) after the transfusion, and at the end of the transfusion (i.e., 60 min; T9). At T3 ~ 9, bispectral index (BIS) and train-of-four (TOF) stimulation were recorded and the plasma propofol/cisatracurium concentration was determined. The extubation time and recovery quality were recorded.ResultsThe ANH group presented a lower MAP value and a higher SVV value at T2, and shorter extubation and orientation recovery time (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. BIS values at T8 and T9 were lower in the ANH group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). TOF values at T7 ~ 9 were lower in the ANH group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative plasma concentrations of propofol and cisatracurium between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionDuring orthopedic surgery, the plasma concentration of elderly patients is increased after autologous blood transfusion of ANH, and the depth of anesthesia and muscle relaxant effect are strengthened, thus leading to delayed recovery of respiratory function and extubation.

Short-Term Pain Outcomes and Pain Medication Utilization Among Urine Toxicology-Identified Opioid and Marijuana Users After Elective Spine Surgery.

Postoperative pain outcomes may be influenced by preoperative substance use, which is often underreported due to associated stigma. This study examined the impact of urine toxicology-identified preoperative opioid and marijuana use on pain outcomes after elective spinal surgery. Patients undergoing elective spinal surgery between September 2020 and May 2022 were recruited for this prospective cohort study. Detailed chart review was completed to collect demographic, urine toxicology, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and pain medication data. Comparisons between self-reported and urine toxicology-identified substance use, preoperative/postoperative VAS ratings, and postoperative pain medication use were made using χ 2 tests, Student t -tests, and logistic regression, respectively. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and race. Among 111 participants (mean age 58 years, 59% female, 95% with ≥1 comorbidity), urine toxicology overestimated drug use (47% vs 16%, P < .001) and underestimated alcohol use (16% vs 56%, P < .001) at preoperative baseline relative to patient reports. Two weeks postoperatively, participants with preoperative opioid metabolites reported no significant improvements in pain from baseline (6.67 preoperative vs 5.92 postoperative, P = .288) unlike nonusers (6.56 preoperative vs 4.61 postoperative, P < .001). They also had worse postoperative VAS (5.92 vs 4.61, P = .030) and heavier reliance on opioid medications (odds ratio = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.21-7.89, P = .019). Conversely, participants with preoperative marijuana reported similar improvements in pain from baseline (users: 6.88 preoperative vs 4.36 postoperative, P = .001; nonusers: 6.49 preoperative vs 5.07 postoperative, P = .001), similar postoperative pain (4.36 vs 5.07, P = .238), and similar postoperative reliance on opioid medications (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.38-2.44, P = .928). Trends were maintained among the 83 patients who returned for the 3-month follow-up. Although urine toxicology-identified preoperative opioid use was associated with poor postoperative pain relief and reliance on postoperative opioids for pain management after elective spinal surgery, preoperative marijuana use was not. Preoperative marijuana use, hence, should not delay or be a contraindication to elective spinal surgery.

Trends in usage of navigation and robotic assistance in elective spine surgeries: a study of 105,212 cases from 2007 to 2015.

Identify trends of navigation and robotic-assisted elective spine surgeries. Elective spine surgery patients between 2007 and 2015 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were isolated by ICD-9 codes for Navigation [Nav] or Robotic [Rob]-Assisted surgery. Basic demographics and surgical variables were identified via chi-squared and t tests. Each system was analyzed from 2007 to 2015 for trends in usage. Included 3,759,751 patients: 100,488 Nav; 4724 Rob. Nav were younger (56.7 vs 62.7years), had lower comorbidity index (1.8 vs 6.2, all p < 0.05), more decompressions (79.5 vs 42.6%) and more fusions (60.3 vs 52.6%) than Rob. From 2007 to 2015, incidence of complication increased for Nav (from 5.8 to 21.7%) and Rob (from 3.3 to 18.4%) as well as 2-3 level fusions (from 50.4 to 52.5%) and (from 1.3 to 3.2%); respectively. Invasiveness increased for both (Rob: from 1.7 to 2.2; Nav: from 3.7 to 4.6). Posterior approaches (from 27.4 to 41.3%), osteotomies (from 4 to 7%), and fusions (from 40.9 to 54.2%) increased in Rob. Anterior approach for Rob decreased from 14.9 to 14.4%. Nav increased posterior (from 51.5% to 63.9%) and anterior approaches (from 16.4 to 19.2%) with an increase in osteotomies (from 2.1 to 2.7%) and decreased decompressions (from 73.6 to 63.2%). From 2007 to 2015, robotic and navigation systems have been performed on increasingly invasive spine procedures. Robotic systems have shifted from anterior to posterior approaches, whereas navigation computer-assisted procedures have decreased in rates of usage for decompression procedures.

Does the Association Between Psychosocial Factors and Opioid Use After Elective Spine Surgery Differ by Sex in Older Adults?

Psychosocial disorders have been linked to chronic postoperative opioid use and the development of postoperative pain. The potential interaction between sex and psychosocial factors with respect to opioid use after elective spine surgery in the elderly has not yet been evaluated. Our aim was to assess whether any observed association of anxiety or depression indicators with opioid consumption in the first 72 hours after elective spine surgery varies by sex in adults ≥65 years. Secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of 647 elective spine surgeries performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital, July 1, 2015-March 15, 2017, in patients ≥65. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test whether history of anxiety, anxiolytic use, history of depression, and antidepressant use were associated with opioid consumption 0-24, 24-48, and 48-72 post surgery, and whether these potential associations differed by sex. History of anxiety, anxiolytic use, history of depression, and antidepressant use were more common among women (51.3% of the sample). During the first 24 hours after surgery, men with a preoperative history of anxiety consumed an adjusted mean of 19.5 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (99.6% CI: 8.1, 31.0) more than men without a history of anxiety; women with a history of anxiety only consumed an adjusted mean 2.9 MME (99.6% CI: -3.1, 8.9) more than women without a history of anxiety (P value for interaction between sex and history of anxiety <0.001). No other interactions were detected between sex and psychosocial factors with respect to opioid use after surgery. Secondary analysis of this retrospective cohort study found minimal evidence that the association between psychosocial factors and opioid consumption after elective spine surgery differs by sex in adults ≥65.

Does surgical site infection affect patient-reported outcomes after spinal surgery? A multicenter cohort study

BackgroundSurgical site infections are common in spinal surgeries. It is uncertain whether outcomes in spine surgery patients with vs. without surgical site infection are equivalent. Therefore, we assessed the effects of surgical site infection on postoperative patient-reported outcomes. MethodsWe enrolled patients who underwent elective spine surgery at 12 hospitals between April 2017 and February 2020. We collected data regarding the patients' backgrounds, operative factors, and incidence of surgical site infection. Data for patient-reported outcomes, namely numerical rating scale, Neck Disability Index/Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol Five-Dimensional questionnaire, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores, were obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. We divided the patients into with and without surgical site infection groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for surgical site infection. Using propensity score matching, we obtained matched surgical site infection-negative and -positive groups. Student's t-test was used for comparisons of continuous variables, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between the two matched groups and two unmatched groups. ResultsWe enrolled 8861 patients in this study; 74 (0.8 %) developed surgical site infections. Cervical spine surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification ≥3 were identified as risk factors; microendoscopy was identified as a protective factor. Using propensity score matching, we compared surgical site infection-positive and -negative groups (74 in each group). No significant difference was found in postoperative pain or dysesthesia of the lower back, buttock, leg, and plantar area between the groups. When comparing preoperative with postoperative pain and dysesthesia, statistically significant improvement was observed for both variables in both groups (p < 0.01 for all variables). No significant differences were observed in postoperative outcomes between the matched surgical site infection-positive and -negative groups. ConclusionsPatients with surgical site infections had comparable postoperative outcomes to those without surgical site infections.

Management of Antithrombotic Drugs before Elective Spine Surgery: A Nationwide Web-Based Questionnaire Survey in Japan.

The number of patients on antithrombotic drugs for coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease has been increasing with the aging of society. We occasionally need to decide whether to continue or discontinue antithrombotic drugs before spine surgery. The purpose of this study is to understand the current perioperative management of antithrombotic drugs before elective spine surgery in Japan. In 2021, members of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR) were asked to complete a web-based questionnaire survey that included items concerning the respondents' surgical experience, their policy regarding discontinuation or continuation of antithrombotic drugs, their reasons for decisions concerning the management of antithrombotic drugs, and their experience of perioperative complications related to the continuation or discontinuation of these drugs. A total of 1,181 spine surgeons returned completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 32.0%. JSSR board-certified spine surgeons comprised 75.1% of the respondents. Depending on the management policy regarding antithrombotic drugs for each comorbidity, approximately 73% of respondents discontinued these drugs before elective spine surgery, and about 80% also discontinued anticoagulants. Only 4%-5% of respondents reported continuing antiplatelet drugs, and 2.5% reported continuing anticoagulants. Among the respondents who discontinued antiplatelet drugs, 20.4% reported having encountered cerebral infarction and 3.7% reported encountering myocardial infarction; among those who discontinued anticoagulants, 13.6% reported encountering cerebral embolism and 5.4% reported encountering pulmonary embolism. However, among the respondents who continued antiplatelet drugs and those who continued anticoagulants, 26.3% and 27.2%, respectively, encountered an unexpected increase in intraoperative bleeding, and 10.3% and 8.7%, respectively, encountered postoperative spinal epidural hematoma requiring emergency surgery. Our findings indicate that, in principle, >70% of JSSR members discontinue antithrombotic drugs before elective spine surgery. However, those with a discontinuation policy have encountered thrombotic complications, while those with a continuation policy have encountered hemorrhagic complications.

Intra-operative drug level monitoring of pre-operative antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis inthe patients of elective spinal surgery.

Single dose prophylaxis is good enough for general surgery with low risk patients. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of single dose anti-microbial prophylaxis (AMP) is not conclusive in high risk patients andspinal surgeries requiring instrumentation or the use of implants in particular. No studies have explored the various concentration of ceftriaxone in plasma and tissue as well during an ongoing spinal surgery. Therefore, the objective of study was to correlate the serum and tissue concentrations of ceftriaxone with the SSI and identify patients with increased risk of SSI. It was an open label prospective study in 50 consecutive patients who underwent elective spine surgery under prophylactic cover of ceftriaxone. Serum and tissue concentration were estimated by high pressure liquid chromatography during the ongoing surgery. Subjects were observed for any post-operative complications including SSI. Serum (p=0.002) and tissue (p=0.012) concentrations of ceftriaxone at the closure of spinal surgery were associated with SSI. Duration of the surgery (p=0.04) and use of implants (p=0.02) were also important surgery related risk factors. Serum and tissue concentrations of ceftriaxone atthe closure and duration of surgery and instrumentation or use of implants in the spinal surgery are good predictors of SSI.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Elective Spine Surgery-A Single Center Experience.

Background and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on medical practice worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends of elective spine surgery in our department before and during the pandemic. Materials and methods: Total number of spine procedures due to disc herniation (DH) or spinal stenosis (SS) was collected during 2019-2021 in the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia. In order to elucidate potential risk factors in the post-pandemic period, demographic data were collected for patients who underwent surgery during 2021. Results: In 2020, there was a 22.1% decrease in the number of surgeries compared to 2019 (205 vs. 263), but during 2021 we observed an increase of 36.1% compared to 2020 (279 vs. 205). The mean age of patients in 2021 was 53.14 years (53.14 ± 13.05) with body mass index of 28.31 kg/m2 (28.31 ± 4.89). There were 179 overweight patients (74%) and 103 smokers (42.6%). Although male and female patients were equally represented (121 each), there was a significant interaction of weight class and sex (p = 0.013). Patients younger than 65 were more likely to undergo surgery due to DH (p < 0.001), whereas older patients were more likely to suffer from SS (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The volume of elective spine surgeries decreased in the first year of the pandemic and increased the following year. Our results suggest that public health policies in the early pandemic period reduced elective surgical procedures, which was followed by a compensatory increase in the following period.

The Impact of Unexpected Billing in Spine Surgery and How the Price Calculator Can Improve Patient Care.

Survey study. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of unexpected in-network billing on the patient experience after spinal surgery. The average American household faces difficulty paying unexpected medical bills. Although legislative efforts have targeted price transparency and rising costs, elective surgical costs continue to rise significantly. Patients are therefore sometimes still responsible for unexpected medical costs, the impact of which is unknown in spine surgery. Patients who underwent elective spine surgery patients from January 2021 to January 2022 at a single institution were surveyed regarding their experience with the billing process. Demographic characteristics associated with unexpected billing situations, patient satisfaction, and financial distress, along with utilization and evaluation of the online price estimator, were collected. Of 818 survey participants, 183 (22.4%) received an unexpected in-network bill, and these patients were younger (56.7 vs. 63.4y, P <0.001). Patients who received an unexpected bill were more likely to feel uninformed about billing (41.2% vs. 21.7%, P <0.001) and to report that billing impacted surgical satisfaction (53.8% vs. 19.1%, P <0.001). However, both groups reported similar satisfaction postoperatively (Likert >3/5: 86.0% vs. 85.5%, P =0.856). Only 35 (4.3%) patients knew of the price estimator's existence. The price estimator was reported to be very easy or easy (N=18, 78.2%) to understand and very accurate (N=6, 35.3%) or somewhat accurate (N=8, 47.1%) in predicting costs. Despite new regulations, a significant portion of patients received unexpected bills leading to financial distress and affecting their surgical experience. Although most patients were unaware of the price estimator, almost all patients who did know of it found it to be easy to use and accurate in cost prediction. Patients may benefit from targeted education efforts, including information on the price estimator to alleviate unexpected financial burden.

Effect of intraoperative muscle relaxation reversal on the success rate of motor evoked potential recording in patients undergoing spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPartial neuromuscular blockade (NMB) has been applied for some surgeries to reduce bleeding and prevent patient movement for spinal surgery. Sugammadex selectively binds to rocuronium in the plasma and consequently lowers the rocuronium concentration at the neuromuscular junction. In this study, we aimed to observe whether the success rate of transcranial motor-evoked potential (TceMEP) can be increased by sugammadex compared with partial NMB during spinal surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent elective spinal surgery with TceMEP monitoring were randomly assigned to the sugammadex group and control group. Rocuronium was continuously infused to maintain the train of four counts (TOFc) = 2. The sugammadex group discontinued rocuronium infusion at the time of TceMEP monitoring and was infused with 2 mg/kg sugammadex; the control group was infused with the same dose of saline.ResultsA total of 171 patients were included. The success rate of TceMEP monitoring in the sugammadex group was significantly higher than that in the control group. TceMEP amplitudes were greater in the sugammadex group than in the control group at 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min after the start of motor-evoked potential monitoring. The latencies of upper extremity TceMEPs monitoring showed no difference between groups. TOF ratios were greater in the sugammadex group at 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min after the start of motor-evoked potential monitoring. There were no adverse effects caused by sugammadex.ConclusionsSugammadex can improve the success rate of motor-evoked potential monitoring compared with moderate neuromuscular blockade induced by continuous infusion of rocuronium in spinal surgery.Trial registrationThe study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov.cn on 29/10/2020 (trial registration number: NCT04608682).

Comparison of Intraoperative Low-Dose Ketodex and Fentanyl Infusion for Postoperative Analgesia In Spine Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

Prospective randomized double-blind study. To assess the analgesic effects of the combination of a low-dose ketamine and dexmedetomidine (ketodex) infusion and compare it with that of fentanyl for postoperative analgesia after spine surgeries. Adequate pain management following spine surgeries is crucial. Approximately 57% of patients experience inadequate pain control in the first 24 hours following elective spine surgery, which is attributable to the extensive soft tissue and muscle damage. The study included 60 patients graded American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II and scheduled for thoracolumbar spine surgery involving >3 vertebral levels. The patients were divided into two groups: group KD (ketodex) and group F (fentanyl). The primary objective was to compare the postoperative analgesic requirements among the groups. The secondary objectives included a comparison of the intraoperative anesthetic requirements, postoperative pain scores, hemodynamic parameters, side effects of the study drugs, and the duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay of both the groups. Ketodex use prolonged the mean time to first rescue analgesia (22.00±2.30 hours vs. 11.69±3.02 hours, p <0.001) and reduced the requirement of rescue analgesics in the first 24 hours postoperatively compared to fentanyl use (70.00±8.16 μg vs. 113.31±36.65 μg, p =0.03). The intraoperative requirement of desflurane was comparable between the groups (p >0.05). The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the group KD than in group F at most timepoints (p <0.05). Patients in group KD had a shorter post-anesthesia care unit stay than group F did (p <0.001). Low-dose ketodex could be a safe substitute for fentanyl infusion when employed as an anesthetic adjuvant for patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgeries involving >3 vertebral levels to achieve prolonged analgesia without any opioidrelated side effects.

Impact of preoperative insomnia on poor postoperative pain control after elective spine surgery and the modified Calgary postoperative pain after spine surgery (MCAPPS) score

BackgroundApproximately 30% to 64% of patients experience inadequate pain control following spine surgery. The Calgary postoperative pain after spine surgery (CAPPS) score was developed to identify this subset of patients. The impact of preoperative insomnia on postoperative pain control is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative insomnia and poor pain control after spine surgery, as well as improve the predictive accuracy of the CAPPS score. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Poor pain control was defined as a mean numeric rating scale pain score >4 at rest within the first 24-hours after surgery. Patients were evaluated using the CAPPS score, which included 7 prognostic factors. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between preoperative insomnia severity index (ISI) and poor pain control, adjusting for the CAPPS score. The Modified CAPPS score was derived from this model. ResultsOf 219 patients, 49.7% experienced poorly controlled pain. Prevalence of clinical insomnia (ISI≥15) was 26.9%. Preoperative ISI was independently associated with poor pain control (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, [95%CI=1.03–1.16], p=.004), after adjusting for the CAPPS score (OR 1.61, [95%CI=1.38–1.89], p<.001). The model exhibited good discrimination (c-statistics 0.80, [95%CI=0.74–0.86]) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square=8.95, p=.35). The Modified CAPPS score also demonstrated good discrimination (c-statistic 0.78, [95%CI=0.72–0.84]) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square=2.92, p=.57). Low-, high-, and extreme-risk groups stratified by the Modified CAPPS score had 17.3%, 49.1%, and 80.7% predicted probability of experiencing inadequate pain control compared to 32.0%, 64.0%, and 85.1% in the CAPPS score. ConclusionsPreoperative insomnia is prevalent and is a modifiable risk factor for poor pain control following spine surgery. Early identification and management of preoperative insomnia may lead to improved postoperative pain outcomes. Future external validation is needed to confirm the accuracy of the Modified CAPPS score.

Leveraging web-based prediction calculators to set patient expectations for elective spine surgery: a qualitative study to inform implementation

BackgroundPrediction calculators can help set outcomes expectations following orthopaedic surgery, however effective implementation strategies for these tools are unknown. This study evaluated provider and patient perspectives on clinical implementation of web-based prediction calculators developed using national prospective spine surgery registry data from the Quality Outcomes Database.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews in two health systems, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Duke University Health System (DUHS) of orthopedic and neurosurgery health care providers (VUMC: n = 19; DUHS: n = 6), health care administrators (VUMC: n = 9; DUHS: n = 9), and patients undergoing elective spine surgery (VUMC: n = 16). Qualitative template analysis was used to analyze interview data, with a focus on end-user perspectives regarding clinical implementation of web-based prediction tools.ResultsHealth care providers, administrators and patients overwhelmingly supported the use of the calculators to help set realistic expectations for surgical outcomes. Some clinicians had questions about the validity and applicability of the calculators in their patient population. A consensus was that the calculators needed seamless integration into clinical workflows, but there was little agreement on best methods for selecting which patients to complete the calculators, timing, and mode of completion. Many interviewees expressed concerns that calculator results could influence payers, or expose risk of liability. Few patients expressed concerns over additional survey burden if they understood that the information would directly inform their care.ConclusionsInterviewees had a largely positive opinion of the calculators, believing they could aid in discussions about expectations for pain and functional recovery after spine surgery. No single implementation strategy is likely to be successful, and strategies vary, even within the same healthcare system. Patients should be well-informed of how responses will be used to deliver better care, and concerns over how the calculators could impact payment and liability should be addressed prior to use. Future research is necessary to determine whether use of calculators improves management and outcomes for people seeking a surgical consult for spine pain.