Surgery In Prone Position Research Articles

Comparison of different types of single-port laparoscopic surgery in posterior uterine fibroid resection

This study aims to objectively assess the effect of three surgical approaches for posterior uterine fibroid resection: transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in prone position (vNOTES-P), and vNOTES in the lithotomy position (vNOTES-L). A retrospective analysis was conducted on data pertaining to all patients who underwent vNOTES and LESS for single posterior fibroids at our institution from January 2023 to July 2023. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the surgical approach: vNOTES-P group (n = 30), vNOTES-L group (n = 17), and LESS group (n = 32). Comparative analysis was performed on the demographic characteristics and perioperative outcomes among the three groups of patients. All 79 patients underwent surgery without the need for conversion to laparotomy. There were no statistically significant differences among the LESS group, vNOTES-P group, and vNOTES-L group in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication rates. In the vNOTES-L group, two patients required conversion to LESS during surgery. Patients had faster return of bowel function (less time to flatus) in the vNOTES group compared to the LESS group (P < 0.05). However, three cases of postoperative infection occurred in the vNOTES group, while none were reported in the LESS group. Compared to LESS, vNOTES demonstrates significant advantages in alleviating postoperative pain, shortening time to passage of flatus, speeding recovery and enhancing cosmetic outcomes. Particularly, vNOTES-P for posterior uterine fibroid resection, as an emerging surgical approach, offers certain advantages in facilitating surgical maneuverability and reducing operative time, rendering it more suitable for posterior uterine fibroid resection.

Decreasing Intraoperative Skin Damage in Prone-Position Surgeries.

To determine if subepidermal moisture (SEM) measures help detect and prevent intraoperative acquired pressure injuries (IAPIs) for prone-position surgery. In this clinical trial of patients (n = 39 preintervention, n = 48 intervention, 100 historical control) undergoing prone-position surgery, researchers examined the use of multidimensionally flexible silicone foam (MFSF) dressings applied preoperatively to patients' face, chest, and iliac crests. Visual skin assessments and SEM measures were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and daily for up to 5 days or until discharge. Electronic health record review included demographic, medical, and surgery data. Of the 187 total participants, 76 (41%) were women. Participants' mean age was 61.0 ± 15.0 years, and 9.6% were Hispanic (n = 18), 9.6% were Asian (n = 18), 6.9% were Black or African American (n = 13), and 73.8% were White (n = 138). Participants had a mean Scott-Triggers IAPI risk score of 1.5 ± 1.1. Among those with no erythema preoperatively, fewer intervention participants exhibited postoperative erythema on their face and chest than did preintervention participants. Further, fewer intervention participants had SEM-defined IAPIs at all locations in comparison with preintervention participants. The MFSF dressings overcame IAPI risk factors of surgery length, skin tone, and body mass index with fewer IAPIs in intervention participants. Patients undergoing prone-position surgeries developed fewer IAPIs, and SEM measures indicated no damage when MFSF dressings were applied to sites preoperatively. The SEM measures detected more damage than visual assessment.

Determination of the best point of entry of percutaneous insertion of sacroiliac screws depending on patient positioning for surgery: A cadaveric study.

The standard starting point for percutaneous sacroiliac screw insertion was initially determined at the intersection of the line posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine and the line continuing the anatomical axis of the femur. The technique was pioneered in patients lying prone in surgery, although it has been used with patients in the supine position. The optimal starting point for patients in both prone and supine positions remains uncertain. This cadaveric study aimed to determine the best entry point for the percutaneous insertion of sacroiliac screws depending on the patient's positioning for surgery. Kirschner wires (K-wires) were percutaneously inserted into the sacral body of 8th human cadavers. In addition to the so-called standard sacroiliac screw entry point (point A), points located consecutively 1 cm (point B) and 2 cm (point C) cranially from the point along the line, prolonging the femoral axis were also studied. The K-wires were inserted into the studied entry points on the right side in a supine position and on the left side of the same cadaver in a prone position. The placement of the K-wires was assessed using radiographic imaging and cadaver dissection. An analysis of the K-wire placement in the supine position revealed incorrect positioning of 100% of the K-wires inserted at entry point A and 87% at entry point B. All the K-wires inserted in the supine position at entry point C were correctly placed. All K-wires inserted in the prone position were correctly positioned. All 3 studied entry points enabled the correct placement of orthopedic implants for prone position surgery. The best entry point for surgery performed in the supine position was located 2 cm cranially from the standard entry point, along the line prolonging the femoral axis.

Early Detection of Brachial Plexus Injury in Prone Position Surgery Using Multimodal Intraoperative Monitoring: A Cross-sectional Study

Early Detection of Brachial Plexus Injury in Prone Position Surgery Using Multimodal Intraoperative Monitoring: A Cross-sectional Study

Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the formation of pressure sore in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in prone position.

Pressure ulcers are a common complication of prone orthopaedic surgery, causing pain and inconvenience to patients. This study aimed to evaluate a comprehensive nursing intervention for pressure ulcer formation in these patients. A total of 120 patients undergoing prone orthopaedic surgery were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (60 patients) received a comprehensive nursing intervention, whereas the control group (60 patients) received a routine nursing intervention. After 2 weeks, the comprehensive nursing intervention significantly reduced the incidence and degree of pressure sores and led to a shorter recovery time than the routine nursing intervention (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative wound complications was decreased, and patient satisfaction was significantly improved (p < 0.05). The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale and visual analogue scale scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire scores were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). A comprehensive nursing intervention can significantly reduce the incidence and degree of pressure ulcers, accelerate recovery time, reduce postoperative wound complications and improve the quality of life and satisfaction of patients undergoing prone orthopaedic surgery.

Effect of desflurane anesthesia on flash visual evoked potential monitoring in patients undergoing spine surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFlash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs) are a reliable method for protecting visual function during spine surgery in prone position. However, the popularization and application of FVEPs remain limited due to the unclear influence of various anesthetics on FVEPs. Exploring the effects of anesthetic drugs on FVEP and establishing appropriate anesthesia maintenance methods are particularly important for promoting and applying FVEP. According to the conventional concept, inhaled narcotic drugs significantly affect the success of FVEP monitoring, FVEP extraction, and interpretation. Nonetheless, our previous study demonstrated that sevoflurane-propofol balanced anesthesia was a practicable regimen for FVEPs. Desflurane is widely used in general anesthesia for its rapid recovery properties. As the effect of desflurane on FVEP remains unclear, this trial will investigate the effect of different inhaled concentrations of desflurane anesthesia on amplitude of FVEPs during spine surgery, aiming to identify more feasible anesthesia schemes for the clinical application of FVEP.Methods/ designA total of 70 patients undergoing elective spinal surgery will be enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled, open-label, patient-assessor-blinded, superiority trial and randomly assigned to the low inhaled concentration of desflurane group (LD group) maintained with desflurane-propofolremifentanil-balanced anesthesia or high inhaled concentration of desflurane group (HD group) maintained with desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia maintenance group at a ratio of 1:1. All patients will be monitored for intraoperative FVEPs, and the baseline will be measured half an hour after induction under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). After that, patients will receive 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane combined with propofol and remifentanil for anesthesia maintenance in the LD group, while 0.7–1.0 MAC of desflurane and remifentanil will be maintained in the HD group. The primary outcome is the N75-P100 amplitude 1 h after the induction of anesthesia. We intend to use the dual measure evaluation, dual data entry, and statistical analysis by double trained assessors to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial aims to explore the superiority effect of low inhaled concentration of desflurane combined with propofolremifentanil-balanced anesthesia versus high inhaled concentration of desflurane combined with remifentanil anesthesia on amplitude of FVEPs. The study is meant to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and might guide the anesthetic regimen for FVEPs. The conclusion is expected to provide high-quality evidence for the effect of desflurane on FVEPs and aim to explore more feasible anesthesia schemes for the clinical application of FVEPs and visual function protection.Trial registrationThis study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov on July 15, 2022. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05465330.

Feasibility of Simultaneous Bilateral Endoscopic Surgery in Prone Split-Leg Position for Bilateral Upper Urinary Tract Calculi: A Pilot Study

Introduction: We explored the viability of simultaneous bilateral endoscopic surgery (SBES) in the prone split-leg position for managing bilateral calculi. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 72 patients who underwent SBES, with procedures involving ureteroscopy (URS) and contralateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) simultaneously, in prone split-leg position. Results: Operative times averaged 109.38 ± 30.76 min, with an average hospital stay of 7.79 ± 3.78 days. The bilateral stone-free rate (SFR) was 70.83%, while URS and PNL demonstrated comparable unilateral SFR (83.33% and 79.17%, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics curves for predicting unilateral residual fragments yielded an area under the curve of 0.84 (URS) and 0.81 (PNL) with respective cutoff values of stone diameter of 11.55 mm and 23.52 mm. Fifty-seven (79.17%) and 15 (20.83%) patients encountered grade 0–1/2 complications, with no severe complications (grade 3–5) recorded. No significant changes in blood count or renal function were observed post-SBES. Conclusions: SBES in the prone split-leg position is a viable option for managing bilateral upper tract urolithiasis. Larger scale studies are needed to further assess safety and efficacy in various positions.

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.

Post-pneumonectomy surgery in prone position: a case report

BackgroundAnesthesia in post-pneumonectomy patients is challenging as pneumonectomy is considered “a disease itself” with impaired oxygenation and ventilation. Literary data for prone ventilation in post-pneumonectomy patients is scarce.Case presentationA 45-year-old female patient with a history of right-sided pneumonectomy 10 years ago with restrictive pulmonary disease underwent uneventful lumbar spine surgery under general anesthesia in the prone position. The lung-protective ventilation using the pressure control mode of ventilation was done.ConclusionsA good understanding of the physiology of the single lung and the concerns of prone ventilation, along with proper preoperative evaluation and optimization, are key to the successful management of such cases.

Anesthetic management of 6-year child with right ventricular hypoplastic syndrome posted for spine surgery in prone position.

Anesthetic management of 6-year child with right ventricular hypoplastic syndrome posted for spine surgery in prone position.

The spine intra-abdominal pressure (SIAP) trial. A prospective, observational, single arm, monocenter study looking at the evolutions of the IAP prior, during and after spine surgery

Background and aimsBoth anaesthesiologists and spine surgeons consider the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as an important peri-operative factor affected by patient positioning.We assessed the change in IAP caused by using a thoraco pelvic support (inflatable prone support, IPS) with the subject under general anesthesia. The IAP was measured before, during and immediately after surgery. MethodsThe Spine Intra-Abdominal Pressure study (SIAP trial) is a prospective, single-arm, monocenter, observational study looking at changes in IAP prior, during and after spine surgery. The objective is to assess the change in IAP, measured via an indwelling urinary catheter, using the inflatable prone support (IPS) device during prone positioning of patients in spinal surgery. ResultsForty (40) subjects requiring elective lumbar spine surgery in prone position were enrolled after providing informed consent. The inflation of the IPS results in a significant decrease of IAP (from a median of 9.2 mmHg to 6.46 mmHg (p < 0.001)) in patients undergoing spine surgery in prone position. This decrease in IAP was maintained throughout the procedure despite the discontinuation of muscle relaxants. No serious adverse events or unexpected adverse events occurred. ConclusionThe use of the thoraco-pelvic support IPS device was able to significantly lower the IAP during spine surgery.

Effect of target-controlled pressure-controlled ventilation on percutaneous nephrolithotripsy patients under general anesthesia: a retrospective study.

Prone position surgery tends to limit chest wall mobility with decreased compliance and increased airway pressure, which can increase the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, including atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. There is a lack of guidelines recommending mechanical ventilation parameters in prone position surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) with end-inspiratory flow rate as the target on percutaneous nephrolithotripsy patients under general anesthesia in the prone position. From January 2020 to December 2021, a total of 154 patients admitted to Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. According to the type of mechanical ventilation given during surgery, the patients were divided into a fixed-respiration-ratio-PCV group (n=78) and a target-controlled-PCV group (n=76). The hemodynamics, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and serum inflammation levels between the two groups were compared. The overall incidence of PPCs was significantly lower in the target-controlled-PCV group than in the fixed-respiration-ratio-PCV group (3.95% vs. 14.10%, P=0.028). There were no significant differences in peak airway pressure, airway plateau pressure, or dynamic lung compliance at T0 (P>0.05). However, at T1, T2, and T3, the peak airway pressure and airway platform pressure in the target-controlled-PCV group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the dynamic pulmonary compliance was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with the fixed-respiration-ratio group. There was no significant difference in preoperative interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels between the two groups (P>0.05). IL-6 and CRP levels at 1 and 3 days postoperatively were significantly reduced in the target-controlled-PCV group compared with the fixed-respiration-ratio-PCV group (P<0.05). Pressure-controlled ventilation with end-inspiratory flow rate as the target can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and inflammatory levels in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy under general anesthesia in the prone position.

Postoperative delayed neurocognitive recovery: Evaluation of its incidence and correlation with intraoperative cerebral desaturation − A prospective observational study

Delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNR) is commonly seen in patients in the postoperative period. Literature has shown that monitoring cerebral desaturation intraoperatively can predict the development of DNR in elderly patients undergoing surgery in prone position. This prospective observational study was conducted in patients of all ages, with the primary objective to determine the incidence of DNR and its correlation with cerebral oximetry. The secondary objectives were to determine if intraoperative cerebral desaturation influenced the neuropsychometric variables from preoperative to postoperative period. This study included 61 patients, aged >18 years undergoing spinal surgery in prone position. An evening before surgery and at 48h postoperatively, patients were subjected to neuropsychological examination; Hindi Mental State Examination, Colour Trail Test 1 (CTT 1), CTT 2, Auditory Verbal Learning (AVLT) tests conducted by principal investigator (PI). DNR was defined as a 20% change in any of the test scores from the baseline. rSO2 was recorded bilaterally every 10min throughout surgery by an independent person. Cerebral desaturation was defined as a 20% drop in rSO2 from the control value. The incidence of DNR was 24.6%. The duration of anesthesia and cerebral desaturation were found to be independently predictive of DNR, with each hour of anesthesia causing a two-fold increase in the chances of development DNR (P=0.019) and presence of cerebral desaturation causing a 6-fold increase (P=0.039). CTT 1 and CTT 2 tests had significantly larger increase in test scores in the postoperative period, in patients with cerebral desaturation. Duration of anesthesia and cerebral desaturation were factors predictive of the development of DNR in patients undergoing spine surgery in prone position.

Minimal and normal-flow general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery in prone position: ımpact on hemodynamics and regional cerebral oxygenation.

In this study, the aim to assess the combined effects of prone-positioning (PP) and minimal-flow (MF) general anesthesia on regional cerebral oxygenation (RCO) and systemic hemodynamics. This is a randomized prospective study aiming to evaluate changes in cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamic parameters in MF systemic anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery in PP. Patients were randomized to MF or normal-flow (NF) anesthesia. In the operating room, pulse rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (spO2), and right- and left-side RCO (assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS) were measured perioperatively. Overall, 46 patients were included (24 in the MF group and 22 in the NF group). The amount of anesthetic gas consumption was significantly lower in the low-flow (LF) group. In both groups, the mean pulse rate showed a decrease after PP. Before induction, RCO was significantly higher both at the right- and left-sides in the LF group compared to the NF group. This difference continued throughout the operation on the left-side and disappeared 10 min after intubation on the right-side. On the left side, mean RCO decreased after PP in both groups. MF anesthesia in PP did not reduce cerebral oxygenation compared to NF and was safe in terms of systemic hemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in prone position for the surgical treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc prolapse, an analysis of 156 consecutive patients

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in prone position for the surgical treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc prolapse, an analysis of 156 consecutive patients

Intraoperative cardiac arrest in the prone position in neurosurgery: A reel challenge for the anesthesiologist

The Cardiac Arrest in Elective Neurosurgery, is complex and different from other types, as it’s influenced by the patient’s position, the surgical procedure, and the equipment used to fix the skull;&#x0D; we report a case of a patient admitted for lumbar spine surgery in prone position who presented an intraoperative cardiac arrest.&#x0D; chest compressions can be started immediately for prone patients; some studies confirmed the efficacy of back compressions but patients should be turned supine if possible.&#x0D; When defibrillation were necessary in patients ventilated in the prone position, defibrillation should be attempted, as placing the patient in the supine position would take precious minutes and would reduce the chances of successful defibrillation.&#x0D; Evidence is rare when dealing with neurosurgical patients, and more efforts are needed in understanding the etiologies, mechanisms and the specificities of its management.

Differential diagnosis of intraoperative cardiac arrest after spine surgery in prone position

Intraoperative cardiac arrest is one of the most feared events by anesthesiologists and surgeons. Although there are many possible causes, three differential diagnoses stand out in the presented scenario: pulmonary embolism, gas embolism, and acute myocardial infarction. A 61-year-old female patient was admitted in the hospital to C2-C5 arthrodesis. Despite no major bleeding during surgery, immediately after supination the patient developed refractory hypotension, a decrease in end tidal CO2, progressive bradycardia that ultimately led to pulseless electrical activity. Resuscitation maneuvers were promptly performed, sustained return of spontaneous circulation was attained after 50 minutes, and the patient was transferred to the ICU. This paper discusses the main causes for an episode of cardiac arrest in the context of cervical arthrodesis, with a markedly prolonged resuscitation time, in which the patient survived.

Research progress of goal-directed fluid therapy in prone position surgery.

Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is currently recognized as a scientific and reasonable method of perioperative capacity management. However, most of the studies on GDFT are carried out in the supine position, while there are few studies on applying GDFT in the prone position. This article introduces the target parameters of GDFT, the influence of prone position on target parameters, and the clinical application of GDFT in the prone position. Many studies have shown that the cut-off values of target parameters such as stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) change in the prone position, but the ability to predict fluid responsiveness remains unchanged, which are still helpful indicators for guiding fluid therapy in the prone position. Although it is controversial whether the GDFT strategy can improve the clinical outcome of patients undergoing prone position surgery, it is still the mainstream choice of fluid therapy. In the future, we need to explore further the method of predicting the fluid responsiveness of patients in the prone position, improve the GDFT strategy, and guide the perioperative fluid therapy of patients in the prone position.

A comparative study of hemodynamic stability through intraoperative fluid administration guided by stroke volume variation assessment versus conventional parameters in terms of inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility index during spine surgery

Stroke volume variation (SVV) is a naturally occurring phenomenon, often used by anesthesiologists for hemodynamic response to intra-operative fluid administration. In a mechanically ventilated patient under general anesthesia, the arterial pulse pressure rises during inspiration and falls during expiration due to changes in intra-thoracic pressure secondary to positive pressure ventilation. : In this open labelled, parallel group, randomized controlled trial, we investigated the role of using SVV as a marker for optimal intra-operative fluid therapy versus the conventional parameters of hemodynamic monitoring i.e., blood pressure, pulse rate and urine output in patients undergoing major spinal surgery in prone position. It was a single centre study and each group consisted of 35 patients in the age group of 18 – 50 years having ASA grade I status and without any previous comorbidities. SVV was maintained between 10 to 13% and Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) and pulse rate maintained within 20% of baseline pre-induction values. Ringer’s lactate solution was chosen as fluid therapy in both groups. : The study showed that the total amount of fluid infused to either group had no statistically significant difference; however, the change in Inferior vena cava maximum diameter (IVCmax) in patients of the SVV monitored group was significantly lower than the conventional arm, for a given amount of fluid in either group. (Levene’s test for equality of variance F = 45.46, test statistics for equality of means t = 3.86; p = 0.001) Moreover, those patients who were maintained on lower margin of SVV range had a remarkable decrease of collapsibility index of IVC compared to pre-operative values. (Spearman’s rank correlation r = 0.533; p = 0.001) Thus, SVV proves to be a surrogate marker of administering intravenous fluid per-operatively maintaining euvolemic status as reflected by subsequent IVC collapsibility index (CI) values obtained in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

European Pediatric Surgeons' Association Survey on the Use of Splenic Embolization in Blunt Splenic Trauma in Children.

This article assesses (1) access to splenic embolization (SE), (2) indications for SE, and (3) post-embolization management in high-grade splenic trauma in children. An online questionnaire was sent in 2021 to all members of European Pediatric Surgeons' Association. There were a total of 157 responses (50 countries, 83% academic hospitals). Among them, 68% have access to SE (SE) and 32% do not (nSE). For a hemodynamic stable patient with high-grade isolated splenic trauma without contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT) scan, 99% SE and 95% nSE respondents use nonoperative management (NOM). In cases with CE, NOM decreases to 50% (p = 0.01) and 51% (p = 0.007) in SE and nSE centers, respectively. SE respondents report a significant reduction of NOM in stable patients with an associated spine injury requiring urgent surgery in prone position, both without and with CE (90 and 28%, respectively). For these respondents, in stable patients the association of a femur fracture only tends to decrease the NOM, both without and with CE (93 and 39%, respectively). There was no significant difference in NOM in group nSE with associated injuries with or without CE. After proximal SE with preserved spleen vascularization on ultrasound Doppler, 44% respondents prescribe antibiotics and/or immunizations. Two-thirds of respondents have access to SE. For SE respondents, SE is used even in stable patients when CE showed on initial CT scan and its use increased with the concomitant need for spinal surgery. There is currently a variation in the use of SE and antibiotics/immunizations following SE.