Symptomatic Epidural Hematoma after Elective Posterior Lumbar Decompression: Incidence, Timing, Risk Factors, and Associated Complications.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Symptomatic post-operative lumbar epidural hematoma (PLEH) is a complication of lumbar spine surgery that can cause permanent neurologic consequences through compression of the cauda equina and nerve roots.Questions/purposes
We sought to investigate the incidence, timing, and risk factors for symptomatic epidural hematomas following posterior lumbar decompression, as well as to identify additional post-operative complications associated with symptomatic lumbar epidural hematomas.Methods
Elective lumbar spine procedures were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database between 2012 and 2016. Analyzed predictors of reoperation or readmission within 30 days for symptomatic PLEH included demographics, comorbidities, pre-operative laboratory values, peri-operative characteristics, and post-operative complications.Results
There were 75,878 cases included in the analysis. The incidence rate of symptomatic PLEH was 0.27% (n = 206), 54.4% (n = 112) of which occurred within 5 days of the procedure. Increased age, obesity (body mass index of 35 or higher), peri-operative transfusion, multilevel surgery (two or more levels), dural tear repair, and microscope use were independently associated with PLEH. Post-operative complications associated with PLEH included surgical site infection and urinary tract infection.Conclusions
Readmission or reoperation for symptomatic PLEH following elective lumbar spine surgery is rare and can occur many days or weeks after a procedure. There are modifiable risk factors for PLEH and associated additional post-operative complications that physicians should be suspicious of following posterior lumbar decompression.
SUBMITTER: Knusel K
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7749891 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is a common surgical technique used to treat various cervical spine pathologies. However, there are various complications associated with PCF that can negatively impact patient outcome. We performed a comprehensive literature review to identify the most common complications following PCF using PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. The overall complication rates of PCF are estimated to range from about 15% to 25% in the current literature. The most common immediate complications include acute blood loss anemia, surgical site infection (SSI), C5 palsy, and incidental durotomy; the most common long-term complications include adjacent segment degeneration, junctional kyphosis, and pseudoarthrosis. Three principal mechanisms are thought to contribute to complications. First, higher number of fusion levels, obesity, and more complex pathologies can increase the invasiveness of the planned procedure, thus increase complications. Second, wound healing and arthrodesis may be impaired due to poor blood flow due to various patient factors such as smoking, diabetes, increased frailty, steroid use, and other medical comorbidities. Finally, increased biomechanical stress on the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) may predispose patient to chronic degeneration and result in adjacent level degeneration and/or junctional problems. Reducing the modifiable risk factors pre-operatively can decrease the overall complication rate. Neurologic deficits may be reduced with adequate intraoperative decompression of neural elements. SSI may be reduced with meticulous wound closure that minimizes dead space, drain placement, and the use of intra-wound antibiotics. Careful design of the fusion construct with consideration in spinal alignment and biomechanics can help to reduce the rate of junctional problems. Spine surgeons should be aware of these complications associated with PCF and the corresponding prevention strategies optimize patient outcomes.
| S-EPMC7154364 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAlthough stroke is a rare complication among spinal surgery patients, the recognition of this adverse event is critical given the aging population undergoing surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of stroke among selected adults undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) during various post-operative risk windows and among different subgroups.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using a longitudinal electronic healthcare record (EHR) database was conducted from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2018. Elective PLF, stroke, and select clinical characteristics were defined based on International Classification of Disease codes. Patients aged 18 to 85 years with ≥183 days of enrollment in the database prior to undergoing elective PLF were followed from the index date until the occurrence of stroke, death, loss to follow-up, or end of study period, whichever occurred first. The incidence of stroke was estimated in the following risk windows: index hospitalization, ≤ 30 days, ≤ 90 days, ≤ 180 days, and ≤ 365 days post-operation.ResultsA total of 43,063 patients were eligible for the study. The incidence of stroke following elective PLF was 0.29% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 0.35%) during index hospitalization, 0.44% (95% CI: 0.38, 0.50%) ≤ 30 days, 0.59% (95% CI: 0.52, 0.67%) ≤ 90 days, 0.76% (95% CI: 0.68, 0.85%) ≤ 180 days, and 1.12% (95% CI: 1.03, 1.23%) ≤ 365 days post-operation. Stratified analyses revealed that older patients had a higher incidence of stroke. Additionally, black patients had higher stroke incidences. Post-operative stroke incidence was higher among patients with a history of type 2 diabetes than among patients without such history; similarly, stroke incidence was higher among patients with a history of stroke compared to patients without such history.ConclusionsThe incidence of stroke following elective PLF using an EHR database in this study is slightly higher than that reported in the literature. Our results suggest that stroke risk modification prior to PLF may be important for patients who are older, black, type 2 diabetic, and/or have a history of stroke.
| S-EPMC7488711 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeFollowing surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) up to 40% of people report persistent walking disability. This study aimed to identify pre-operative factors that are predictive of walking ability post-surgery for LSS.MethodsAn observational cohort study was conducted using data from the British Spine Registry (2017-2018) of adults (≥ 50 years) with LSS, who underwent ≤ 2 level posterior lumbar decompression. Patients receiving fixation or who had previous lumbar surgery were excluded. Walking ability was assessed by a single item on the Oswestry Disability Index and dichotomised into poor/good outcome. Multivariable regression models were performed.Results14,485 patients were identified. Pre-operatively 30% patients reported poor walking ability, this decreased to 8% at 12 months follow-up. Predictors associated with poor walking ability at 12 months were: increasing age (≥ 75 years OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.07, 2.18), BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.00, 2.30), severity of leg pain (OR 1.10, CI 95% 1.01, 1.21), disability (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01, 1.02) and quality of life (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56, 0.89). Pre-operative maximum walking distance (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05, 1.25) and higher education (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80, 0.96) were associated with reduced risk of poor walking ability at 12 months; p < 0.05. Depression, fear of movement and symptom duration were not associated with risk of poor outcome.ConclusionOlder age, obesity, greater pre-operative pain and disability and lower quality of life are associated with risk of poor walking ability post-operatively. Greater pre-operative walking and higher education are associated with reduced risk of poor walking ability post-operatively. Patients should be counselled on their risk of poor outcome and considered for rehabilitation so that walking and surgical outcomes may be optimised.
| S-EPMC8550110 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of posterior decompression techniques with conventional laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis.MethodsThe Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched with no language limitations from inception to January 13, 2022. The main outcomes were functional disability, perceived recovery, leg and back pain, complications. A random effects model was used to pooled data. Risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to report results. The study protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022302218).Results14 trials including 1,106 participants were included in the final analysis. Bilateral laminotomy was significantly more efficacious in improve functionality than laminectomy [MD: -2.94; (95% CI, -4.12 to -1.76)]. Low incidence of iatrogenic instability due to bilateral laminectomy compared with laminectomy [RR: 0.11; (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.59)]. In addition, between those who received bilateral laminotomy and those undergoing laminectomy, the result showed significant difference regarding recovery [RR: 1.31; (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.67)].ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that bilateral laminotomy has advantages in functional recovery, postoperative stability, and postoperative rehabilitation outcomes. Further research is needed to determine whether posterior techniques provide a safe and effective option for conventional laminectomy.
| S-EPMC9577104 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Study designRetrospective database.ObjectivesAlthough posterior decompression is the most common approach for surgical treatment of degenerative thoracic spine disease, anterior approach is gaining interest due to its advantage in disc visualization. The objective of this study was to compare the intra- and postoperative medical complication rates between anterior and posterior decompression for degenerative thoracic spine pathologies.MethodsA national US insurance database was queried for patients with degenerative diagnoses who had undergone anterior or posterior thoracic decompression. Incidence of intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated on the day of surgery and within 1 and 3 months. Two subgroups were matched based on age, gender, and comorbidity. The association of decompression approach and complications was assessed using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1459 patients were included, consisting of 1004 patients in posterior and 455 patients in anterior group. Respiratory complications were the most common complications on the day of surgery (8.57%) and within 30 days (17.75%). Matched analysis showed that anterior approach was associated with organ failure, gastrointestinal, and device-/implant-/graft-related complications in all follow-up periods; and with cardiovascular, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and respiratory complications in at least 1 follow-up period. Among respiratory complications, anterior decompression was significantly associated with noninfectious etiologies on the day of surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72), within 30 days (OR = 2.05), and within 90 days (OR = 1.92).ConclusionsAnterior approach was associated with increased rates of several complications. High rates of respiratory complications necessitate comprehensive preoperative risk stratification to identify those who may benefit more from posterior approach.
| S-EPMC8119921 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionPostoperative spinal epidural hematoma (PSEH) is a severe complication of spinal surgery that necessitates accurate and timely diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography as an alternative diagnostic tool for PSEH after microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL) for lumbar spinal stenosis, comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsA total of 65 patients who underwent MEL were evaluated using both ultrasound- and MRI-based classifications for PSEH. Intra- and interrater reliabilities were analyzed. Furthermore, ethical standards were strictly followed, with spine surgeons certified by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association performing evaluations.ResultsAmong the 65 patients, 91 vertebral segments were assessed. The intra- and interrater agreements for PSEH classification were almost perfect for both ultrasound (κ=0.824 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.729-0.918] and κ=0.810 [95% CI 0.712-0.909], respectively) and MRI (κ=0.839 [95% CI 0.748-0.931] and κ=0.853 [95% CI 0.764-0.942], respectively). The results showed high concordance between ultrasound- and MRI-based classifications, validating the reliability of ultrasound in postoperative PSEH evaluation.ConclusionsThis study presents a significant advancement by introducing ultrasound as a precise and practical alternative to MRI for PSEH evaluation. The comparable accuracy of ultrasound to MRI, rapid bedside assessments, and radiation-free nature make it valuable for routine postoperative evaluations. Despite the limitations related to specific surgical contexts and clinical outcome assessment, the clinical potential of ultrasound is evident. It offers clinicians a faster, cost-effective, and repeatable diagnostic option, potentially enhancing patient care. This study establishes the utility of ultrasound in evaluating postoperative spinal epidural hematomas after MEL. With high concordance to MRI, ultrasound emerges as a reliable, practical, and innovative tool, promising improved diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes. Further studies should explore its clinical impact across diverse surgical scenarios.
| S-EPMC11310533 | biostudies-literature
Project description:We present a 24-year-old male who developed an infected hematoma that resulted in sciatic nerve injury after he underwent an endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression. He underwent urgent hematoma evacuation and cultures speciated as Salmonella. At 4 months' follow-up, the patient's nerve had improved motor and sensory function. This case highlights the importance of obtaining appropriate hemostasis at the end of an endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression.
| S-EPMC7190546 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundC5 palsy is a serious but poorly understood complication after posterior cervical decompression that could lead to muscle weakness, brachialgia and numbness of the upper limbs. The incidence of C5 palsy varies greatly between studies. The risk factors are inconclusive and even conflicting.ObjectTo perform a systematic review on the incidence and risk factors of C5 palsy after posterior cervical decompression.Materials and methodsFour databases, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL, were searched to identify eligible studies. Either a fixed- or a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odd ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with its 95% confidence interval (95%CI).ResultsOf the 589 pre-recruited studies, 25 were included in this study for systematic review. The pooled incidence of C5 palsy after posterior decompression was 5.8% (95%CI: 4.4-7.2%). The incidence after open-door laminoplasty, double-door laminoplasty and laminectomy was 4.5%, 3.1% and 11.3%, respectively. The significant risk factors of C5 palsy were OPLL (OR, 2.188; 95%CI, 1.307-3.665), narrower intervertebral foramen (SMD, -0.972; 95%CI, -1.398 to -0.545), laminectomy (vs. open-door laminoplasty, OR, 2.988; 95%CI, 1.298-6.876), excessive spinal cord drift (SMD, 1.289, 95%CI, 0,197-2.381) and male gender (OR, 1.54; 95%CI, 1.036-2.301).ConclusionsThe results of this systematic review suggest that patients with excessive spinal cord drift, preexisting intervertebral foramenal stenosis, OPLL, laminectomy and male gender are at high risk for postoperative C5 palsy, and risk-reduction options should be considered for such patients.
| S-EPMC4146468 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Study Design Case report. Objective The purpose of this report is to discuss the surgical management of lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis with a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and present a single-stage, posterior-only circumferential decompression and reconstruction with instrumentation using an expandable titanium cage and without segmental nerve root sacrifice as an option in the treatment of this disease process. Methods We report a 42-year-old man who presented with 3 days of low back pain and chills who rapidly decompensated with severe sepsis following admission. Magnetic resonance imaging of his lumbosacral spine revealed intramuscular abscesses of the left paraspinal musculature and iliopsoas with SEA and L4 vertebral body involvement. The patient failed maximal medical treatment, which necessitated surgical treatment as a last resort for infectious source control. He underwent a previously undescribed procedure in the setting of SEA: a single-stage, posterior-only approach for circumferential decompression and reconstruction of the L4 vertebral body with posterior segmental instrumented fixation. Results After the surgery, the patient's condition gradually improved; however, he suffered a wound dehiscence necessitating a surgical exploration and deep wound debridement. Six months after the surgery, the patient underwent a revision surgery for adjacent-level pseudarthrosis. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was pain-free and off narcotic pain medication and had returned to full activity. Conclusion This patient is the first reported case of lumbar osteomyelitis with SEA treated surgically with a single-stage, posterior-only circumferential decompression and reconstruction with posterior instrumentation. Although this approach is more technically challenging, it presents another viable option for the treatment of lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis that may reduce the morbidity associated with an anterior approach.
| S-EPMC4733378 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundClinically, there are substantive practice variations in surgical management of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. We aimed at evaluating whether decompression alone outcomes for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis are comparable to those of decompression with fusion.MethodsIn this meta-analysis, the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 16th, 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing decompression alone with decompression and fusion for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were included in this study. There were no language limitations. Odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to report results in the random-effects model. Main outcomes included Oswestry disability index (ODI), pain, clinical satisfaction, complication and reoperation rates. The study protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022310645).FindingsThirty-three studies (6 RCTs and 27 cohort studies) involving 94 953 participants were included. Differences in post-operative ODI between decompression alone and decompression with fusion were not significant. A small difference for back (MD, 0.13; [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.18]; I 2:0.00%) and leg pain (MD, 0.30; [95% CI, 0.09 to 0.51]; I 2:48.35%) was observed on the 3rd post-operative month. The results did not reveal significant differences in leg pain and back pain between decompression alone and fusion groups on the 6th, 12th, and 24th post-operative months. Difference in clinical satisfaction between decompression alone and decompression with fusion were not significant from RCTs (OR, 0.26; [95% CI, 0.03 to 1.92]; I 2:83.27%). Complications (OR, 1.54; [95% CI, 1.16 to 2.05]; I 2:48.88%), operation time (MD, 83.39; [95% CI, 55.93 to 110.85]; I 2:98.75%), intra-operative blood loss (MD, 264.58; [95% CI, 174.99 to 354.16]; I 2:95.61%) and length of hospital stay (MD, 2.85; [95% CI, 1.60 to 4.10]; I 2:99.49%) were higher with fusion.InterpretationClinical effectiveness of decompression alone was comparable to that of decompression with fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Decompression alone is recommended for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.FundingThis work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81871818), Tangdu Hospital Seed Talent Program (Fei-Long Wei), Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China (No.2019JM-265) and Social Talent Fund of Tangdu Hospital (No.2021SHRC034).
| S-EPMC9294267 | biostudies-literature