High preoperative hemoglobin A1c is a risk factor for surgical site infection after posterior thoracic and lumbar spinal instrumentation surgery

Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Updated Consensus Statement on Perioperative Blood Glucose Management in Adult Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery

This consensus statement is a comprehensive update of the 2010 Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) Consensus Statement on perioperative blood glucose management in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing ambulatory surgery. Since the original consensus guidelines in 2010, several novel therapeutic interventions have been introduced to treat DM, including new hypoglycemic agents and increasing prevalence of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. The updated recommendations were developed by an expert task force under the provision of SAMBA and are based on a comprehensive review of the literature from 1980 to 2022. The task force included SAMBA members with expertise on this topic and those contributing to the primary literature regarding the management of DM in the perioperative period. The recommendations encompass preoperative evaluation of patients with DM presenting for ambulatory surgery, management of preoperative oral hypoglycemic agents and home insulins, intraoperative testing and treatment modalities, and blood glucose management in the postanesthesia care unit and transition to home after surgery. High-quality evidence pertaining to perioperative blood glucose management in patients with DM undergoing ambulatory surgery remains sparse. Recommendations are therefore based on recent guidelines and available literature, including general glucose management in patients with DM, data from inpatient surgical populations, drug pharmacology, and emerging treatment data. Areas in need of further research are also identified. Importantly, the benefits and risks of interventions and clinical practice information were considered to ensure that the recommendations maintain patient safety and are clinically valid and useful in the ambulatory setting. What Other Guidelines Are Available on This Topic? Since the publication of the SAMBA Consensus Statement for perioperative blood glucose management in the ambulatory setting in 2010, several recent guidelines have been issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the Endocrine Society, the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC), and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) on DM care in hospitalized patients; however, none are specific to ambulatory surgery. How Does This Guideline Differ From the Previous Guidelines? Previously posed clinical questions that were outdated were revised to reflect current clinical practice. Additional questions were developed relating to the perioperative management of patients with DM to include the newer therapeutic interventions.

Effect of pre-operative HbA1c and blood glucose level on the surgical site infection after lumbar instrumentation surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the effect of pre-operative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and pre-operative blood glucose control on the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior lumbar instrumentation surgery in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

METHODS

A total of 1046 patients who had undergone posterior lumbar instrumentation surgery were reviewed. Based on pre-operative HbA1c, patients were divided into three groups: non-DM group, low HbA1c group (HbA1c < 7.0 % in DM) and high HbA1c group (≥7.0). As well, based on the status of blood glucose control in DM patients immediately before surgery, patients were divided into two groups: good control group (post-prandial blood glucose [PBG] < 200 mg/dl) and poor control group (≥200). The rate of SSI was compared among these groups.

RESULTS

SSI occurred in 1.9 % in non-DM group, 2.4 % in low HbA1c group, and 9.3 % in high HbA1c group. Compared with non-DM group, high HbA1c group had significantly higher rate of SSI (p = 0.001). There was not statistically different between non-DM and low HbA1c groups (p = 0.550). SSI occurred in 2.2 % in good control group, and 10.2 % in poor control group. The rate of SSI was significantly lower in good control group (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the rate of SSI after posterior lumbar instrumentation surgery tend to be higher in DM patients with high HbA1c. However, the rate might be reduced to the same level as that of non-DM group by lowering PBG to <200 mg/dl immediately before surgery.

The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC)®: Recommendations for the Mitigation of Complications of Neurostimulation

INTRODUCTION

The International Neuromodulation Society convened a multispecialty group of physicians based on expertise and international representation to establish evidence-based guidance on the mitigation of neuromodulation complications. This Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC)® project intends to update evidence-based guidance and offer expert opinion that will improve efficacy and safety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Authors were chosen on the basis of their clinical expertise, familiarity with the peer-reviewed literature, research productivity, and contributions to the neuromodulation literature. Section leaders supervised literature searches of MEDLINE, BioMed Central, Current Contents Connect, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed from 2017 (when NACC last published guidelines) to October 2023. Identified studies were graded using the United States Preventive Services Task Force criteria for evidence and certainty of net benefit. Recommendations are based on the strength of evidence or consensus when evidence was scant.

RESULTS

The NACC examined the published literature and established evidence- and consensus-based recommendations to guide best practices. Additional guidance will occur as new evidence is developed in future iterations of this process.

CONCLUSIONS

The NACC recommends best practices regarding the mitigation of complications associated with neurostimulation to improve safety and efficacy. The evidence- and consensus-based recommendations should be used as a guide to assist decision-making when clinically appropriate.

Patient Comorbidities, Their Influence on Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery, and Recommendations to Reduce Unfavorable Outcomes

Improvements in healthcare management have led to a decrease in perioperative and postoperative complications. However, perioperative medical complications and mortality rates continue to increase in patients undergoing elective spinal surgeries. This trend is driven by the increase in the older population and the rise in the number of patients with more than two comorbidities. Managing patients with multiple comorbidities requires additional resources, augmenting the financial and societal burden. Despite the high risk of complications and mortality, patients with multiple comorbidities undergo spinal surgery for degenerative spinal conditions daily. These findings highlight the need for heightened awareness, patient education, and management of comorbidities before elective spinal surgeries. This article comprehensively reviews literature on the effects of medical comorbidities on spinal fusion surgery outcomes to increase awareness of the surgical complications associated with comorbidities. In addition, suggested preoperative and postoperative comorbidity management strategies are outlined.

The Relation of Preoperative HbA1c Level With Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications in Type-2 Diabetic Patients: An Observational Study

Background Perioperative dysglycemia increases morbidity and mortality, particularly among those with diabetes mellitus (DM), and elevated HbA1c levels, reflecting long-term blood glucose, are linked to poor healing and higher infection rates. This study investigates the link between preoperative HbA1c levels and perioperative outcomes in type-2 DM patients. Methodology This prospective observational study was conducted in India between January 2021 and April 2022. Sixty patients aged 18-60 with type-2 DM who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia (GA) were included; the American Society of Anesthesiologists class >III and patients with severe organ failures were excluded. Participants were divided into two groups: A (HbA1c ≤7.5%) and B (HbA1c >7.5%). Data on preoperative vitals, intraoperative hemodynamics, and postoperative complications were collected. SPSS v23 was used for data analysis; p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age of the participants was 48.22 years; males comprised 58.3%. Group A had a higher proportion of oral hypoglycemic agents. Group B showed higher maximum mean blood pressure and intraoperative blood sugar levels at one hour. Postoperatively, Group B had higher glucose levels, more prevalent hyperglycemia, and higher preoperative and postoperative blood urea levels. No significant differences were found in postoperative outcomes like acute kidney injury (AKI), leukocytopenia, leucocytosis, fever, and intensive care admission. Surgical site infection (SSI) incidence was higher in group B, though not statistically significant. Group B had more extended hospital stays. Conclusion Preoperative HbA1c above 7.5% was associated with impaired perioperative glycemic control and higher dysglycemic episodes. Higher preoperative HbA1c was found to be linked to increased postoperative hyperglycemia, AKI, intensive care admissions, and more extended hospital stays, though not statistically significant. SSI incidence was higher, highlighting its importance over preoperative HbA1c.

The Effect of Diabetes on Complications after Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Spinal fusion procedures are used to treat a wide variety of spinal pathologies. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown to be a significant risk factor for several complications following these procedures in previous studies. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis elucidating the relationship between DM and complications occurring after spinal fusion procedures.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches of PubMed and EMBASE were performed from their inception to October 1, 2022, to identify studies that directly compared postfusion complications in patients with and without DM. Studies met the prespecified inclusion criteria if they reported the following data for patients with and without DM: (1) demographics; (2) postspinal fusion complication rates; and (3) postoperative clinical outcomes. The included studies were then pooled and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies, with a cumulative total of 18,853 patients (2695 diabetic patients), were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Analysis showed that diabetic patients had significantly higher rates of total number of postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-1.58; P = 0.001), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR=2.01; 95%CI=1.31-3.08; P = 0.001), postoperative renal complications (OR=2.20; 95%CI=1.27-3.80; P = 0.005), surgical site infection (OR=2.65; 95%CI=2.19-3.20; P < 0.001), and prolonged hospital stay (OR=1.67; 95%CI=1.47-1.90; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM had a significantly higher risk of developing complications after spinal fusion, particularly pulmonary and renal complications, in addition to surgical site infections and had a longer length of stay. These findings are important for informed discussions of surgical risks with patients and families before surgery.

Efficacy of prophylactic use of intraoperative vancomycin powder in preventing surgical site infection in neurological surgeries in Irrua, Nigeria: A randomized controlled study

PURPOSE

The objective was to determine the efficacy of intraoperative vancomycin powder in preventing SSIs in neurological surgeries.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled study of patients who had clean cranial and non-implant spine surgeries at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria from February 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group A patients had prophylactic intraoperative vancomycin powder applied to the surgical bed before wound closure while group B patients did not. Patients in both groups were followed up for 30 days post-operatively for evidence of SSI. The occurrence of SSIs was determined using clinical and laboratory parameters. Baseline characteristics, operative details, rates of wound infection, and microbiological data for each case were recorded. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Scientific Solution (SPSS) version 23 software.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were randomized into 2 groups of 21 patients each. The age range of the patients was 20 to 80 years. The majority of the patients were males (32 out of 42). The mean age of patients in group A was 48.05 ± 17.03 years, while group B had a mean age of 45.95 ± 19.14 years. The mean Body Mass Index of patients in groups A and B were 23.92 ± 5.21 and 23.21 ± 3.99 respectively. Seven out of 21 patients (33.3 %) in the control group ( group B) had superficial SSIs while no patient in the experimental group had SSI, p-value < 0.05. The organisms cultured were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative vancomycin powder was effective in reducing the rate of SSIs following neurological surgeries and without adverse drug reactions.

Preoperative Optimization for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to identify modifiable risk factors in patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery and compile literature recommendations for the preoperative optimization of these risk factors.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Optimization of modifiable risk factors not only benefits the patient but also lessens resource and cost burdens on the health care system, allowing for better quality and value-based care. There is limited but applicable literature discussing preoperative optimization in adult spinal deformity surgery patients specifically.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for studies that looked at one of the variables of interest (eg, osteoporosis, prehabilitation and functional status, multidisciplinary preoperative screening, infection, obesity, nutrition, smoking, diabetes, blood loss, chronic opioid use, and psychosocial factors) in adult patients with spinal deformity according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyse guidelines.

RESULTS

Seventy studies were included in the final review and synthesis of information. Guidelines and recommendations from these studies were compared and compiled into evidence-based action items for preoperative optimization of modifiable risk factors before adult spinal deformity surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

While the approach of preoperative optimization of modifiable risk factors may incur additional planning efforts and patient care time, it has the potential to significantly reduce perioperative complications and reduce morbidity and mortality during surgery, thus allowing for improved outcomes, increased quality of life, and satisfaction from this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Impact of haemoglobin A1c on wound infection in patients with diabetes with implanted synthetic graft

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values and operative wound infection.

METHOD

During the period from 2013-2016, consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes were prospectively evaluated. Data were retrospectively analysed. All included patients were admitted for an elective surgical procedure, requiring the use of prosthetic graft in a groin wound. The patients were divided into two groups according to their preoperative HbA1c values. The main outcome was groin wound infection. The association between preoperative long-term glycoregulation and wound infection was evaluated, as well as the impact of postoperative glycaemic values, regardless of the level of HbA1c.

RESULTS

Of the 93 participating patients, wound infection occurred in 20 (21.5%). Wound infection occurred in 28.2% of patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >7%) and 16.7% of patients with controlled diabetes (HbA1c <7%); however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.181). In regression modelling, operative time (p=0.042) was a significant predictor of wound infection, while patients' age (p=0.056) was on the borderline of statistical significance. Females had a higher probability for wound infection (odds ratio (OR): 1.739; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.483-6.265), but there was no statistical significance (p=0.397). Patients with elevated levels of HbA1c had a higher chance of wound infection compared with patients with controlled diabetes (OR: 2.243; 95% CI: 0.749-6.716), nevertheless, this was not statistically significant (p=0.149).

CONCLUSION

We found no statistically significant correlation between elevated values of preoperative HbA1c and postoperative groin wound infection.

Preoperative glycated hemoglobin concentration and early postoperative infections in patients undergoing spinal surgery: A systematic review

Early postoperative infections can affect a significant number of spinal surgery patients. Many studies reported on the features that may associate with elevated risk of infectious complications in this group. Data on the impact of glucose metabolism disorders in this area are well known. At the same time information on the correlation of preoperative HbA1c level and postoperative infections in spinal surgery are still scarce. Furthermore there are no strict recommendations regarding routine HbA1c testing prior to elective surgery. In present SR we aimed to report available clinical evidence on association between preoperative HbA1c and early postoperative infections. We used PubMed and EMBASE database and a set of specific key words (spine surgery AND infections AND HbA1c) to identify eligible studies. The study was registered in PROSPERO database and reported according to PRISMA recommendations. 16 studies were selected for further assessment. Predominance of data indicated a significant correlation between preoperative HbA1c concentration and elevated risk of postoperative infections, as well as higher rate of non - infective complications and worse patients future outcome. Adequately designed future studies on purposely dimensioned sample size are needed to confirm the role of preoperative HbA1c testing in preoperative management of spinal surgery patients.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols and Spinal Deformity

The authors outline a review of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations surrounding adult spinal deformity. Preoperative management topics include imaging, hemoglobin A1c levels before spine surgery, osteoporotic management, and prehabilitation. Topics surrounding intraoperative management include the use of antibiotics, liposomal bupivacaine, and Foley catheters. The authors also discuss postoperative questions surrounding analgesia, nausea and vomiting, thromboembolic prophylaxis, and early mobilization. Throughout their discussion, the authors incorporate enhanced recovery after surgery protocols to hopefully lead to future discussions regarding optimizing complex spinal patients.

Combined Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Subfascial Suction Drainage: The Suction Taco Approach

An 18-year-old male with T4-L3 adult idiopathic scoliosis was treated with posterior spinal fusion followed by the application of a combined incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and subfascial suction drainage system. In this report, we describe a novel technique that incorporates subfascial drains into an NPWT incisional vacuum system leading to a single exiting suction line. This effectively mitigates drain burden, maintains a sterile environment during the in-hospital postoperative period, provides NPWT to the drain exiting and incisional sites, and provides negative pressure-assisted deep space closure.

The Ideal Threshold of Hemoglobin A1C in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Lumbar Decompression Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) with surgical site infection (SSI) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and to identify optimal HbA1c thresholds to minimize the risk of SSI and maximize PROs.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with worsened outcomes following spine surgery. HbA1c, a surrogate of glycemic control, is an important assessment tool in diabetic patients.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was undertaken. Diabetic patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery between October 2010 and May 2021 were included. HbA1c, demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative data were collected. Primary outcomes included: 1) SSI, and 2) PROs, including the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-back/leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included: complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90-days postoperatively. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was set at a 30% improvement from baseline PROs.

RESULTS

Of 1819 patients who underwent lumbar decompression surgery, 368 patients had diabetes mellitus, and 177 had a documented preoperative HbA1c value. Of patients with available HbA1c values, the mean age was 62.5±12.3, the mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.5%, and SSI occurred in 3 (1.7%) patients only, which prevented further analysis of SSI and HbA1c. A significant association was seen with a higher HbA1c and failure to achieve NRS-Back pain MCID30 [Odds ratio(OR)=0.53, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.42-0.78; P =0.001] and ODI MCID30 (OR=0.58, 95%CI 0.44-0.77; P =0.001), but not NRS-Leg pain MCID30 (OR=1.29, 95%CI 0.86-1.93; P =0.208). ROC-curve analysis and Youden's index revealed an HbA1c threshold of 7.8 for NRS-Back pain MCID30 (AUC=0.65, P <0.001) and 7.5 for ODI MCID30 (AUC=0.65, P =0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery, HbA1c levels above 7.8 and 7.5 were associated with less improvement of NRS-Back and ODI scores at 12-months postoperatively, respectively. To optimize PROs, We recommend a preoperative HbA1c of 7.5 or below for diabetic patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in advanced neuromodulation pain procedures: a retrospective study

Aim: To assess the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) and related variables on surgical site infection (SSI) risk in neuromodulation. Methods: This retrospective study followed patients who underwent neuromodulation procedures for at least 9 months to identify postoperative infections. Demographics, clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared. Results: Of 195 cases included, 5 (2.6%) resulted in SSIs. Median HbA1c was significantly higher for the cases with SSIs (8.2 vs 5.6%; p = 0.0044). The rate of SSI was significantly higher among patients with DM (17.9 vs 0%; p = 0.0005), HbA1c≥7% (37.5 vs 0%; p = 0.0009), and perioperative glucose ≥200 mg/dl (40 vs 2.3%; p = 0.0101). Conclusion: DM, elevated HbA1c and perioperative hyperglycemia may all contribute to increased risk of SSIs with neuromodulation procedures.

A nomogram for accurately predicting the surgical site infection following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in type 2 diabetes patients, based on glycemic variability

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common and serious complication of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), and the occurrence of SSI usually leads to prolonged hospitalisation, increased medical costs, poor prognosis, and even death. The objectives of this study were to compare the incidence of SSI in patients with type 2 diabetes, investigate the correlation between perioperative glycemic variability and postoperative SSI, and develop a nomogram model to predict the risk of SSI. This study retrospectively analysed 339 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent TLIF in the spinal surgery department of the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University from January 2018 to September 2021. The medical records of all patients were collected, and postoperative infection cases were determined according to the diagnostic criteria of surgical site infection. The risk factors for postoperative SSI were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. And Nomogram prediction model was established and validated. The nomogram incorporated seven independent predictors. Preoperative FPG-CV was the most important independent risk predictor of SSI, followed by preoperative MFBG, duration of drain placement, postoperative FPG-CV, preoperative blood glucose control scheme, duration of diabetes >5 years, and the number of fused vertebrae ≥2. The nomogram showed good diagnostic accuracy for the SS of both the training cohort and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.915 and AUC = 0.890). The calibration curves for the two cohorts both showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. In conclusion, preoperative and postoperative glycemic variability is closely related to the occurrence of SSI. We developed and validated a nomogram to accurately predict the risk of SSI after TLIF surgery. It's helpful for spinal surgeons to formulate reasonable treatment plans and prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes patients.

Early Experience With an Endocrinology Preoperative Fast-Track Program for Optimizing Spine Surgery Candidates With Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies demonstrated an increase in adverse outcomes for patients undergoing elective surgeries with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. At a large, tertiary-care spine center with a notable population of patients with poorly controlled diabetes, an Endocrinology Fast-Track (EFT) program was developed to improve patient optimization before elective spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to report our early experience.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients who were scheduled for elective spine surgery were noted to have Hgb A1c > 7 on preoperative evaluation. Thirty-two patients accepted referral to the EFT program and 43 declined (non-EFT). Mean preoperative Hgb A1c was similar between groups (EFT: 8.79 versus non-EFT: 9.26, P = 0.221). The Fast-Track program included counseling, education, and medical management.

RESULTS

Patients in the two groups were similar in number of females (EFT: 17 versus non-EFT: 17, P = 0.348), age (EFT: 57.7 versus non-EFT: 60.6, P = 0.280), and body mass index (EFT: 34.6 versus non-EFT: 33.0, P = 0.341). A smaller number of smokers were there in the EFT group (1) compared with the non-EFT group (15, P = 0.003). The proportion of patients on insulin (EFT: 19 versus non-EFT: 23, P = 0.814) and oral hypoglycemics (EFT: 29 versus non-EFT: 39, P = 0.983) was similar between the two groups. Surgical clearance for patients with a documented preoperative Hgb A1c of < 7 or equivalent fructosamine level was significantly better in the Fast-Track group compared with the non-Fast-Track group (91% versus 42%, P = 0.000). Although most patients who declined the Fast-Track program did not obtain clearance for surgery, mean Hgb A1c was improved at the latest follow-up in both groups for those who obtained surgical clearance (7.10 versus 6.78, P = 0.470).

DISCUSSION

A novel EFT program was successful in obtaining acceptable blood glucose control in patients recommended for spine surgery who had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus on preoperative evaluation. The improved blood glucose control was maintained at the latest follow-up.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of surgical site infection within 1 month after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infection (SSI), a common serious complication within 1 month after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), usually leads to poor prognosis and even death. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors related to SSI within 1 month after TLIF. We have developed a dynamic nomogram to change treatment or prevent infection based on accurate predictions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 383 patients who received TLIF at our institution from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022. The outcome variable in the current study was the occurrence of SSI within 1 month after surgery. Univariate logistic regression analysis was first performed to assess risk factors for SSI within 1 month after surgery, followed by inclusion of significant variables at P < 0.05 in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The independent risk variables were subsequently utilized to build a nomogram model. The consistency index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model. And the decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze the clinical value of the nomogram.

RESULTS

The multivariate logistic regression models further screened for three independent influences on the occurrence of SSI after TLIF, including lumbar paraspinal (multifidus and erector spinae) muscles (LPM) fat infiltration, diabetes and surgery duration. Based on the three independent factors, a nomogram prediction model was built. The area under the curve for the nomogram including these predictors was 0.929 in both the training and validation samples. Both the training and validation samples had high levels of agreement on the calibration curves, and the nomograms C-index was 0.929 and 0.955, respectively. DCA showed that if the threshold probability was less than 0.74, it was beneficial to use this nomograph to predict the risk of SSI after TLIF. In addition, the nomogram was converted to a web-based calculator that provides a graphical representation of the probability of SSI occurring within 1 month after TLIF.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram including LPM fat infiltration, surgery duration and diabetes is a promising model for predicting the risk of SSI within 1 month after TLIF. This nomogram assists clinicians in stratifying patients, hence boosting decision-making based on evidence and personalizing the best appropriate treatment.

The Effect of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome on Spine Surgery Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent in patients undergoing spine surgery. This review aims to capture both the findings of recently published literature investigating the effects of diabetes and metabolic syndrome on spine surgery outcomes and the current best practices in patient management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome both contribute to worse outcomes in patients undergoing spine surgery. Although patients with diabetes are at greater risk of complications, those with uncontrolled diabetes experience increased healthcare costs and greater odds of postoperative complications. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome is repeatedly shown to have an adverse effect on spine surgery outcomes, including healthcare costs and medical complications. Spine surgeons should coordinate care with primary care physicians to optimize the preoperative profile of patients with comorbidities like diabetes and metabolic syndrome to minimize operative risk. With the shift to value-based care, understanding the patient factors that lead to complications is becoming increasingly important. Future studies should build upon the current literature and design preoperative interventions for at-risk patients. Additionally, further research is needed to analyze the modulatory effects of the social determinants of health in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Potential Clinical Applications for Continuous Ketone Monitoring in the Hospitalized Patient with Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, the authors discuss potential clinical applications for continuous ketone monitoring (CKM) in a broad continuum of clinical settings from pre-hospital care and the emergency department to acute inpatient management and post-discharge follow-up.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though in its early stages, the concept of a novel continuous ketone sensing technology exerts great potential for use in the detection and hospital management of DKA, namely to overcome diagnostic barriers associated with ketoacidosis in patients with diabetes and obtain real-time BOHB levels, which may be useful in understanding both patients' response to treatment and DKA trajectory. Peri- and intra-operative use of CKM technology can potentially be applied in a number of urgent and elective surgical procedures frequently underwent by patients with diabetes and in the observation of patients during peri-operative fasting. In transitional care management, CKM technology could potentially facilitate patients' safe transition through levels of care, following hospital discharge from a DKA episode. This evaluation of the literature presents the potential advantages of adopting CKM and integrating this technology into the care algorithm of patients at risk for ketoacidosis.

Correlation between the Control of Blood Glucose Level and HbA1C and the Incidence of Surgical Site Infection after Emergent Surgery for the Lower Limb Fracture among Type II DM Patients Aged More Than 50 Years Old

This is the first study focusing on perioperative blood glycemic monitoring for the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) among patients with type II DM (T2DM) during the 1-year follow-up after emergent orthopedic surgery. We retrospectively collected the data of 604 patients who had received surgery for unilateral lower limb traumatic fracture from January 2011 to January 2021, including 215 men and 389 women with a mean age of 71.21 and a mean BMI of 25.26. In total, 84 (13.9%) of them developed SSI during the 1-year follow-up. Higher preoperative and postoperative -3-month hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and AC blood glucose and the presence of rheumatoid arthritis were all associated with increased rates of SSI. The thresholds for predicting SSI were the following: (1) preoperative HbA1c > 7.850% (area under curve [AUC] = 0.793); (2) postoperative HbA1c > 6.650% (AUC = 0.648); (3) preoperative AC blood glucose > 130.50 mg/dL (AUC = 0.773); and (4) postoperative AC blood glucose > 148.5 mg/dL (AUC = 0.709) by receiver-operating characteristic curve method. These findings may provide a useful control guideline for patients with T2DM older than 50 years old and who received surgery for a lower limb fracture in the prevention of postoperative SSI.

Prevention of Orthopedic Prosthetic Infections Using Evidence-Based Surgical Site Infection Care Bundles: A Narrative Review

Background: The number of primary/revision total joint replacements (TJR) are expected to increase substantially with an aging population and increasing prevalence of comorbid conditions. The 30-day re-admission rate, in all orthopedic specialties, is 5.4% (range, 4.8%-6.0%). A recent publication has documented that the surgical site infection (SSI) infection rate associated with revision total knee (rTKR, 15.6%) and revision total hip (rTHR, 8.6%) arthroplasties are four to seven times the rate of the primary procedures (2.1%-2.2%). These orthopedic infections prolong hospital stays, double re-admissions, and increase healthcare costs by a factor of 300%. Methods: A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library publications, which reported the infection risk after TKR and THR, was undertaken (January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2021). The search also included documentation of evidence-based practices that lead to improved post-operative outcomes. Results: The evidence-based approach to reducing the risk of SSI was grouped into pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative periods. Surgical care bundles have existed within other surgical disciplines for more than 20 years, although their use is relatively new in peri-operative orthopedic surgical care. Pre-admission chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) showers/cleansing, staphylococcal decolonization, maintenance of normothermia, wound irrigation, antimicrobial suture wound closure, and post-operative wound care has been shown to improve clinical outcome in randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses. Conclusions: Evidence-based infection prevention care bundles have improved clinical outcomes in all surgical disciplines. The significant post-operative morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost, associated with SSIs after TJR can be reduced by introduction of evidence-based pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative interventions.

Optimal hemoglobin A1C target in diabetics undergoing elective cervical spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for suboptimal outcomes following cervical spine surgery. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), a surrogate for long-term glycemic control, is a valuable assessment tool in diabetic patients.

PURPOSE

In patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, we sought to identify optimal HbA1c levels to: (1) maximize 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and (2) predict the occurrence of medical and surgical complications.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was performed in a single academic center.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Diabetic patients undergoing elective anterior cervical fusion and posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF) between October 2010-March 2021 were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-Neck pain, NRS-Arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90-days postoperatively.

METHODS

HbA1c, demographic, comorbidity, and perioperative variables were gathered in diabetic patients only. PROs were analyzed as continuous variables and minimum clinically difference (MCID) was set at 30% improvement from baseline.

RESULTS

Of 1992 registry patients undergoing cervical surgery, 408 diabetic patients underwent cervical fusion surgery. Anterior: A total of 259 diabetic patients underwent anterior cervical fusion, 141 of which had an available HbA1c level within one year prior to surgery. Mean age was 55.8±10.1, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.4. HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with failure to achieve MCID for NDI (AUC=0.77, 95%CI 0.70-0.84, p<.001), and HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with increased odds of reoperation (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.52-0.69, p=.078). Posterior: A total of 149 diabetic patients underwent PCLF, 65 of which had an available HbA1c level within 1 year. Mean age was 63.6±9.2, and mean HbA1c value was 7.2±1.5. Despite a low AUC for NRS-Arm pain and readmission, HbA1c levels above 6.8 may be associated with failure to achieve MCID for NRS-Arm pain (AUC=0.61, 95%CI 0.49-0.73, p=.094), and HbA1c levels above 7.6 may be associated with higher readmission rate (AUC=0.63, 95%CI 0.50-0.75, p=.185).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of diabetic patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery, HbA1c levels above 6.1 were associated with decreased odds of achieving MCID for NDI in anterior cervical fusion surgery. Though only moderate associations were seen for the select outcomes of reoperation (6.8), readmission (7.6), and MCID for NRS-Arm pain (6.8), preoperative optimization of HbA1c using these levels as benchmarks should be considered to reduce the risk of complications and maximize PROs for patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery.

Intrathecal Drug Delivery: Advances and Applications in the Management of Chronic Pain Patient

Advances in our understanding of the biology of spinal systems in organizing and defining the content of exteroceptive information upon which higher centers define the state of the organism and its role in the regulation of somatic and automatic output, defining the motor response of the organism, along with the unique biology and spatial organization of this space, have resulted in an increased focus on therapeutics targeted at this extracranial neuraxial space. Intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems (IDDS) are well-established as an effective therapeutic approach to patients with chronic non-malignant or malignant pain and as a tool for management of patients with severe spasticity and to deliver therapeutics that address a myriad of spinal pathologies. The risk to benefit ratio of IDD makes it a useful interventional approach. While not without risks, this approach has a significant therapeutic safety margin when employed using drugs with a validated safety profile and by skilled practioners. The present review addresses current advances in our understanding of the biology and dynamics of the intrathecal space, therapeutic platforms, novel therapeutics, delivery technology, issues of safety and rational implementation of its therapy, with a particular emphasis upon the management of pain.

Diabetes mellitus and perioperative outcomes: a scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently encountered in the perioperative period. DM may increase the risk of adverse perioperative outcomes owing to the potential vascular complications of DM. We conducted a scoping review to examine the association between DM and adverse perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search strategy of the published literature was built and applied in multiple databases. Observational studies examining the association between DM and adverse perioperative outcomes were included. Abstract screening determined full texts suitable for inclusion. Core information was extracted from each of the included studies including study design, definition of DM, type of DM, surgical specialties, and outcomes. Only primary outcomes are reported in this review.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 2363 records. Of those, 61 were included and 28 were excluded with justification. DM was mostly defined by either haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or blood glucose values (19 studies each). Other definitions included 'prior diagnosis' or use of medication. In 17 studies the definition was unclear. Type 2 DM was the most frequently studied subtype. Five of seven studies found DM was associated with mortality, 5/13 reported an association with 'complications' (as a composite measure), and 12/17 studies found DM was associated with 'infection'. Overall, 33/61 studies reported that DM was associated with the primary outcome measure.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus is inconsistently defined in the published literature, which limits the potential for pooled analysis. Further research is necessary to determine which cohort of patients with DM are most at risk of adverse postoperative outcomes, and how control influences this association.

The impact of diabetes mellitus on spinal fracture with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are susceptible to spinal column injuries with neurological deterioration. Previous studies indicated that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with DISH was higher than that in patients without DISH. This study investigates the impact of DM on surgical outcomes for spinal fractures in patients with DISH.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 177 spinal fractures in patients with DISH (132 men and 45 women; mean age, 75 ± 10 years) who underwent surgery from a multicenter database. The subjects were classified into two groups according to the presence of DM. Perioperative complications, neurological status by Frankel grade, mortality rate, and status of surgical site infection (SSI) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

DM was present in 28.2% (50/177) of the patients. The proportion of men was significantly higher in the DM group (DM group: 86.0% vs. non-DM group: 70.1%) (p = 0.03). The overall complication rate was 22.0% in the DM group and 19.7% in the non-DM group (p = 0.60). Poisson regression model revealed that SSI was significantly associated with DM (DM group: 10.0% vs. non-DM group: 2.4%, Relative risk: 4.5) (p = 0.048). Change in neurological status, mortality rate, instrumentation failure, and nonunion were similar between both groups. HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level (SSI group: 7.2% ± 1.2%, 201 ± 67 mg/dL vs. non-SSI group: 6.6% ± 1.1%, 167 ± 47 mg/dL) tended to be higher in patients with SSI; however, there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

In spinal fracture in patients with DISH, although DM was an associated factor for SSI with a relative risk of 4.5, DM did not negatively impact neurological recovery. Perioperative glycemic control may be useful for preventing SSI because fasting blood glucose level was high in patients with SSI.

Postoperative Glycemic Variability as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes Following Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effect size of postoperative glycemic variability on surgical outcomes among patients who have undergone one- to three-level lumbar fusion.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

While numerous patient characteristics have been associated with surgical outcomes after lumbar fusion, recent studies have described the measuring of postoperative glycemic variability as another promising marker.

METHODS

A total of 850 patients were stratified into tertiles (low, moderate, high) based on degree of postoperative glycemic variability defined by coefficient of variation (CV). Surgical site infections were determined via chart review based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. Demographic factors, surgical characteristics, inpatient complications, readmissions, and reoperations were determined by chart review and telephone encounters.

RESULTS

Overall, a statistically significant difference in 90-day adverse outcomes was observed when stratified by postoperative glycemic variability. In particular, patients with high CV had a higher odds ratio (OR) of readmission (OR = 2.19 [1.17, 4.09]; P = 0.01), experiencing a surgical site infection (OR = 3.22 [1.39, 7.45]; P = 0.01), and undergoing reoperations (OR = 2.65 [1.34, 5.23]; P = 0.01) compared with patients with low CV. No significant association was seen between low and moderate CV groups. Higher CV patients were more likely to experience longer hospital stays (β: 1.03; P = 0.01). Among the three groups, high CV group experienced the highest proportion of complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study establishes a significant relationship between postoperative glycemic variability and inpatient complications, length of stay, and 90-day adverse outcomes. While HbA1c has classically been used as the principal marker to assess blood glucose control, our results show CV to be a strong predictor of postoperative adverse outcomes. Future high-quality, prospective studies are necessary to explore the true effect of CV, as well as its practicality in clinical practice. Nevertheless, fluctuations in blood glucose levels during the inpatient stay should be limited to improve patient results.Level of Evidence: 4.

Extensor Mechanism Ruptures and Reruptures: Perioperative Opioid Management

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the correlation between preoperative and postoperative opioid use and (2) risk factors associated with rerupture in patients undergoing open extensor mechanism repair. A retrospective review of patients who underwent operative repair of quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture was performed. Patients were classified as opioid nonusers if they had not received any opioid medications in the 3 months before surgery, or as acute users or chronic users if they received at least one opioid prescription within 1 month or 3 months preceding surgery. Clinical records were reviewed for postoperative opioid use within a year after surgery as well as rerupture rates. A total of 144 quadriceps tendon and 15 patellar tendon repairs were performed at a mean age of 56.8 ± 15.1 years and body mass index of 33.2 ± 7.1. The overall rerupture rate was 6%. Diabetes was a significant risk factor for rerupture (56 vs. 19%, p = 0.023). Chronic preoperative opioid users were more likely to continue to use opioids beyond 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001) as compared with acute or nonopioid users. Chronic preoperative opioid users (relative risk [RR]: 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-5.90) and patients with longer anesthesia time (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00-1.93) required more monthly opioid refills, whereas tourniquet use required fewer opioid refills each month (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37-0.88). Compared with patients without a rerupture, each additional prescription refill after the initial repair in the rerupture group was associated with a 22% higher risk of tendon rerupture (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). The chronicity of preoperative opioid intake was found to have a significant effect on postoperative opioid use. This study suggests that there is a higher prevalence of rerupture in patients with prolonged opioid use postoperatively and among diabetics.

Is Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Incidence of Complications After Posterior Instrumented Lumbar Fusion? A National Claims Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with postoperative complications, including surgical site infections (SSIs). However, evidence for the association between diabetes control and postoperative complications in patients with DM is mixed. Prior studies relied on a single metric for defining uncontrolled DM, which does not account for glycemic variability, and it is unknown whether a more comprehensive assessment of diabetes control is associated with postoperative complications.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Is there a difference in the incidence of SSI after lumbar spine fusion in patients with uncontrolled DM, defined with a comprehensive assessment of glycemic control, compared with patients with controlled DM? (2) Is there a difference in the incidence of other select postoperative complications after lumbar spine fusion in patients with uncontrolled DM compared with patients with controlled DM? (3) Is there a difference in total reimbursements between these groups?

METHODS

We used the PearlDiver Patient Records Database, a national administrative claims database that provides access to the full continuum of perioperative care. We included 46,490 patients with DM undergoing posterior lumbar fusion with instrumentation. Patients were required to be continuously enrolled in the database for at least 1 year before and 90 days after the index procedure. Patients were divided into uncontrolled and controlled DM cohorts, as defined by ICD-9 diagnostic codes. These are based on a comprehensive assessment of glycemic control, including consideration of patient self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c, and the presence/severity of diabetes-related comorbidities. The cohorts differed only by age, insurance type, and Elixhauser comorbidity score. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI, divided into superficial and deep, within 90 days postoperatively. Secondary complications included the incidence of cerebrovascular events, acute kidney injury, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, and total reimbursements. These are the sum of reimbursements occurring within 90 days of surgery, which capture the total professional and facility cost burden to the health payer (such as the insurer). We constructed multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for the effects of age, insurance type, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potentially confounding variables including age, insurance type, and comorbidities, we found that patients with uncontrolled DM had an odds ratio for deep SSI of 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.16 to 1.95; p = 0.002). Similarly, patients with uncontrolled DM had adjusted odds ratios of 1.25 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.53; p = 0.03) for cerebrovascular events, 1.36 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.57; p < 0.001) for acute kidney injury, 1.55 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.04; p = 0.002) for pulmonary embolism, 1.30 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.54; p = 0.004) for pneumonia, 1.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.49; p < 0.001) for urinary tract infection, and 1.27 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.53; p = 0.02) for perioperative transfusion. Patients with uncontrolled DM had higher median 90-day total reimbursements than patients with controlled DM: USD 27,915 (interquartile range 5472 to 63,400) versus USD 10,263 (IQR 4101 to 49,748; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings encourage surgeons to take a full diabetic history beyond the HbA1c value, including any self-monitoring of glucose measurements, time in acceptable range for continuous glucose monitors, and/or consideration of the presence/severity of diabetes-related complications before lumbar spine fusion, as HbA1c does not fully capture glycemic control or variability. We emphasize that uncontrolled DM is a clinical, rather than laboratory, diagnosis. Comprehensive diabetes histories should be incorporated into existing preoperative diabetes care pathways and elective surgery could be deferred to improve glycemic control. Future development of an index measure incorporating multidimensional measures of diabetes control (such as continuous or self-glucose monitoring, diabetes-related comorbidities) is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Risk predictors of perioperative complications for the palliative surgical treatment of spinal metastasis

BACKGROUND

The complication rate for palliative surgery in spinal metastasis is relatively high, and major complications can impair the patient's activities of daily living. However, surgical indications are determined based primarily on the prognosis of the cancer, with the risk of complications not truly considered. We aimed to identify the risk predictors for perioperative complications in palliative surgery for spinal metastasis.

METHODS

A multicentered, retrospective review of 195 consecutive patients with spinal metastasis who underwent palliative surgeries with posterior procedures from 2001 to 2016 was performed. We evaluated the type and incidence of perioperative complications within 14 days after surgery. Patients were categorized into either the complication group (C) or no-complication group (NC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential predictors for perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (15%) experienced one or more complications within 14 days of surgery. The most frequent complications were surgical site infection (4%) and motor weakness (3%). A history of diabetes mellitus (C; 37%, NC; 9%: p < 0.01) and surgical time over 300 min (C; 27%, NC; 12%: p < 0.05) were significantly associated with complications according to univariate analysis. Increased blood loss and non-ambulatory status were determined to be potential risk factors. Of these factors, multivariate logistic regression revealed that a history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 6.6, p < 0.001) and blood loss over 1 L (OR: 2.7, p < 0.05) were the independent risk factors for perioperative complications. There was no difference in glycated hemoglobin A1c between the diabetes patients with and without perioperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes mellitus should be used for the risk stratification of surgical candidates regardless of the treatment status, and strict prevention of bleeding is needed in palliative surgeries with posterior procedures to mitigate the risk of perioperative complications.

Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for Perioperative Spine: Preoperative Surgical Risk Assessment

BACKGROUND

Patient factors (increased body mass index [BMI], smoking, and diabetes) may impact outcomes after spine surgery. There is a lack of consensus regarding which factors should be screened for and potentially modified preoperatively to optimize outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this evidence-based clinical practice guideline is to determine if preoperative patient factors of diabetes, smoking, and increased BMI impact surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature for studies relevant to spine surgery was performed using the National Library of Medicine PubMed database and the Cochrane Library. Clinical studies evaluating the impact of diabetes or increased BMI with reoperation and/or surgical site infection (SSI) were selected for review. In addition, the impact of preoperative smoking on patients undergoing spinal fusion was reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 699 articles met inclusion criteria and 64 were included in the systematic review. In patients with diabetes, a preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >7.5 mg/dL is associated with an increased risk of reoperation or infection after spine surgery. The review noted conflicting studies regarding the relationship between increased BMI and SSI or reoperation. Preoperative smoking is associated with increased risk of reoperation (Grade B). There is insufficient evidence that cessation of smoking before spine surgery decreases the risk of reoperation.

CONCLUSION

This evidence-based guideline provides a Grade B recommendation that diabetic individuals undergoing spine surgery should have a preoperative HbA1c test before surgery and should be counseled regarding the increased risk of reoperation or infection if the level is >7.5 mg/dL. There is conflicting evidence that BMI correlates with greater SSI rate or reoperation rate (Grade I). Smoking is associated with increased risk of reoperation (Grade B) in patients undergoing spinal fusion.The full guidelines can be accessed at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/browse-guidelines-detail/2-preoperative-surgical-risk-assessement.

Perioperative Laboratory Markers as Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection After Elective Hand Surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no association between perioperative laboratory markers (serum albumin and hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) and incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after soft tissue upper extremity surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed patient-level data from a large, insurance-based database containing supplemental laboratory results. We identified patients undergoing soft tissue upper extremity surgery (defined as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, wrist ganglion excision, cubital tunnel release, Dupuytren partial fasciectomy, or first dorsal compartment release) with serum albumin or HbA1c measurements within 90 days of surgery. We stratified patients into cohorts based on serum albumin concentration (<3.5 g/dL) and HbA1c (≥7%) thresholds. The primary outcome was incidence of SSI within 30 days following surgery. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for patient demographics and baseline comorbidities using the Elixhauser comorbidity index.

RESULTS

Patients with hypoalbuminemia experienced an SSI incidence of 3.5% compared to 0.9% in patients with normal serum albumin. In multivariable analysis, the odds ratio of SSI with hypoalbuminemia was 3.32 (95% CI, 2.32-4.65). Patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% experienced an SSI incidence of 1.1% compared to 0.7% in patients with HbA1c < 7%. Multivariable analysis revealed odds ratios for SSI of 1.47 (95% CI, 1.02-2.11) in patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% compared to those with HbA1c < 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoalbuminemia and elevated HbA1c (in patients with diabetes) are risk factors for SSI within 30 days following soft tissue upper extremity surgery. Preoperative measurement of these laboratory markers may be a useful tool for risk stratification and identification of high-risk patients for nutritional or glycemic optimization.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Effect of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy vs Standard Wound Dressing on the Development of Surgical Site Infection after Spinal Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Use of a closed-incisional negative pressure therapy (ci-NPT) dressing is an emerging strategy to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in spine surgery that lacks robust data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a ci-NPT, as compared with a standard dressing, on the development of SSIs after spine surgery.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study over a 2-yr period. Indications for surgery included degenerative disease, deformity, malignancy, and trauma. Exclusion criteria included anterior and lateral approaches to the spine, intraoperative durotomy, or use of minimally invasive techniques. SSIs up to 60 d following surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were included. SSI rate was significantly lower with ci-NPT dressing (n = 118) as compared with the standard dressing (n = 156) (3.4 vs 10.9%, P = .02). There was no statistical difference in infection rate for decompression alone procedures (4.2 vs 9.1%, P = .63), but there was a statistically significant reduction with the use of a negative-pressure dressing in cases that required instrumentation (3.2 vs 11.4%, P = .03). Patients at higher risk (instrumentation, deformity, and malignancy) had less SSIs with the use of ci-NPT, although this did not reach statistical significance. There were no complications in either group.

CONCLUSION

SSI rates were significantly reduced with a ci-NPT dressing vs a standard dressing in patients who underwent spinal surgery. The higher cost of a ci-NPT dressing might be justified with instrumented cases, as well as with certain high-risk patient populations undergoing spine surgery, given the serious consequences of an infection.

Risk Factors for 30- and 90-Day Readmissions Due To Surgical Site Infection Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

Identify the independent risk factors for 30- and 90-day readmission because of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

SSI is a significant cause of morbidity in the 30- and 90-day windows after hospital discharge. There remains a gap in the literature on independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI after PLF procedures. In addition, readmission for SSI after spine surgery beyond the 30-day postoperative period has not been well studied.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from the 2012 to 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database. The authors identified 65,121 patients who underwent PLF. There were 191 patients (0.30%) readmitted with a diagnosis of SSI in the 30-day readmission window, and 283 (0.43%) patients readmitted with a diagnosis of SSI in the 90-day window. Baseline patient demographics and medical comorbidities were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI.

RESULTS

In the 30-day window after discharge, this study identified patients with liver disease, uncomplicated diabetes, deficiency anemia, depression, psychosis, renal failure, obesity, and Medicaid or Medicare insurance as higher risk patients for unplanned readmission with a diagnosis of SSI. The study identified the same risk factors in the 90-day window with the addition of diabetes with chronic complications, chronic pulmonary disease, and pulmonary circulation disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent risk factors for readmission because of SSI included liver disease, uncomplicated diabetes, obesity, and Medicaid insurance status. These findings suggest that additional intervention in the perioperative workup for patients with these risk factors may be necessary to lower unplanned readmission because of SSI after PLF surgery.

Clinical significance of diabetes control before metabolic surgery

BACKGROUND

Even though observational studies have suggested that poor preoperative diabetes control increases risk after major abdominal surgery, it is unclear whether this effect is seen in metabolic surgery patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether poor preoperative diabetes control is associated with worse outcomes in patients with obesity and diabetes undergoing metabolic surgery.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Quality Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) database.

METHODS

Using the MBSAQIP 2017 and 2018 database and preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) as a diabetes control surrogate, we examined the association between diabetes control and major outcomes of primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with diabetes and obesity. Multivariate logistic regression modeling examined five 30-day postoperative outcomes: composite serious complications (composite of 10 adverse events), composite infection (composite of 7 infectious complications), length of stay >5 days, reoperation, and readmission. Models were adjusted for multiple covariates.

RESULTS

In total, 26,674 patients with HbA1C data available within 30 days before metabolic surgery were included in the primary analysis and 35,884 patients with HbA1C data within 90 days before surgery were included in the sensitivity analysis. The mean body mass index (BMI) and preoperative HbA1C were 45.6 ± 8.2 kg/m² and 8.2 ± 2.7%, respectively. The incidence of 30-day postoperative infections and serious complications were 1.62% and 1.35%, respectively. Neither primary analysis nor sensitivity analysis demonstrated any association between higher HbA1C and worsening of 5 primary outcomes of interest. The odds ratio of an overall effect for SG was 1.01 (95% CI .98-1.03; P = .58) and for RYGB was .99 (95% CI .96-1.02; P = .41).

CONCLUSION

Suboptimal preoperative diabetes control is not associated with increased adverse events and should not delay metabolic surgery, as metabolic surgery is generally a safe procedure and intrinsically improves diabetes control.

Risk factors for deep surgical site infection after posterior cervical spine surgery in adults: a multicentre observational cohort study

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication following spine surgery and is correlated with significant morbidities, poor clinical outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Accurately identifying risk factors can help develop strategies to reduce this devastating consequence; however, few multicentre studies have investigated risk factors for SSI following posterior cervical spine surgeries. Between July 2010 and June 2015, we performed an observational cohort study on deep SSI in adult patients who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery at 10 research hospitals. Detailed patient- and procedure-specific potential risk variables were prospectively recorded using a standardised data collection chart and were reviewed retrospectively. Among the 2184 consecutive adult patients enrolled, 28 (1.3%) developed postoperative deep SSI. Multivariable regression analysis revealed 2 statistically significant independent risk factors: occipitocervical surgery (P < 0.001) and male sex (P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that occipitocervical surgery (P = 0.001) was the sole independent risk factor for deep SSI in patients with instrumented fusion. Occipitocervical surgery is a relatively rare procedure; therefore, our findings were based on a large cohort acquired using a multicentre study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify occipitocervical procedure as an independent risk variable for deep SSI after spinal surgery.

Is Less Really More? Economic Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Review.

OBJECTIVE

A comparative overview of cost-effectiveness between minimally invasive versus and equivalent open spinal surgeries.

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed was performed to identify articles of interest. To maximize the capture of studies in our initial search, we combined variants of the terms "cost," "minimally invasive," "spine," "spinal fusion," "decompression" as either keywords or MeSH terms. PearlDiver database was queried for open and minimally invasive surgery (MIS; endoscopic or percutaneous) reimbursements between Q3 2015 and Q2 2018.

RESULTS

In general, MIS techniques appeared to decrease blood loss, shorten hospital lengths of stay, mitigate complications, decrease perioperative pain, and enable quicker return to daily activities when compared to equivalent open surgical techniques. With regard to cost, primarily as a result of these latter benefits, MIS was associated with lower costs of care when compared to equivalent open techniques. However, cost reporting was sparse, and relevant methodology was inconsistent throughout the spine literature. Within the PearlDiver data sets, MIS approaches had lower reimbursements than open approaches for both lumbar posterior fusion and discectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggests that overall cost-savings may be incurred with use of MIS techniques. However, data reporting on costs lacks in uniformity, making it difficult to formulate any firm conclusions regarding any incremental improvements in cost-effectiveness that may be incurred when utilizing MIS techniques when compared to equivalent open techniques.

Deep Surgical-Site Infection Following Thoracolumbar Instrumented Spinal Surgery: The Experience of 25 Years

BACKGROUND

Deep surgical-site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery (DSITIS) is a major complication in spine surgery and its impact on long-term morbidity and mortality is yet to be determined. This article describes the characteristics and evolution of DSITIS in our center over a period of 25 years.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with DSITIS between January 1992 and December 2016 and with a minimum follow-up after infection diagnosis of 1 year. The Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria and/or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used to define DSITIS. Patient data (epidemiological and health status), surgical data, infection characteristics and presentation, isolated microorganisms, required surgical debridements, implant removal, and major complications linked to infection were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients (106 females) were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up after infection diagnosis was 40 months (56 patients with over 5 years follow-up). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult deformity, and degenerative lumbar stenosis were the most frequent etiologies for primary surgery. Presentation of infection was considered early (0-3 months since first surgery) in 59.2% of the cases, delayed (3-24 months) in 11.5%, and late (more than 24 months) in 29.3%. All patients were treated by surgical debridement. More than 1 surgical debridement was necessary in 20.7% of cases. Implants were removed in 46.6% of the patients (72.83% in the first surgical debridement). Most frequently isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus spp, Enterobacteriaceae, and Cutibacterium acnes. Major complications appeared in 14.3% of the patients, and over 80% of them required major surgeries to resolve those complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Late DSITIS is more frequent than previously reported. In DSITIS culprits, Staphylococcus spp, Enterobacteriaceae, and Cutibacterium acnes predominate. DSITIS produce a high rate of major complications that usually require major surgery for treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Clostridium difficile Infection Following Spine Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Association With Preoperative Antibiotic Use

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) within 90 days following elective spine surgery; examine risk factors associated with its development; and evaluate the impact of CDI on postoperative outcomes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although previous studies provided valuable insight into the rate of CDI following spine surgery and associated risk factors, to date no study has evaluated the role preoperative antibiotics use plays in the development of CDI, as well as its impact on 90-day outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective database review of Humana patients ages 20 to 84 years who underwent elective spine surgery between 2008 and 2016 was conducted. Following exclusion criteria, the population was divided into patients who developed CDI within 90 days of surgery and those who did not. All risk factors and outcomes were analyzed using multivariate regression.

RESULTS

A total of 63,667 patients met study criteria. Ninety-day incidence of CDI was 0.68%. Notable medical risk factors (P < 0.05) included preoperative fluoroquinolone use (odds ratio [OR] 1.40), advanced age (OR 1.86), chronic kidney disease stage I/II (OR 1.76) and III-V (OR 1.98), decompensated chronic liver disease (OR 3.68), and hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.15). Combined anterior-posterior cervical (OR 2.74) and combined anterior-posterior lumbar (OR 2.43) approaches and procedures spanning more than eight levels (OR 3.99) were associated with the highest surgical risk (P < 0.05) of CDI. CDI was associated with a 12.77-day increase in length of stay (P < 0.05) and increased risk of readmission (OR 6.08, P < 0.05) and mortality (OR 8.94, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Following elective spine surgery, CDI increases risk of readmission and mortality. In addition to preoperative fluoroquinolone use, novel risk factors associated with the highest risk of CDI included decompensated chronic liver disease, posterior approaches, and multilevel involvement. Perioperative optimization of modifiable risk factors may help to prevent occurrence of CDI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Early surgery may lower mortality in patients suffering from severe spinal infection

PURPOSE

Spinal infection (SI) is a life-threatening condition and treatment remains challenging. Numerous factors influence the outcome of SI and both conservative and operative care can be applied. As SI is associated with mortality rates between 2 and 20% even in developed countries, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and causes of death in patients suffering from SI.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 197 patients, categorized into two groups according to their outcome: D (death) and S (survival). The diagnosis was based on clinical and imaging (MRI) findings. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, infection parameters, treatment details, outcomes, and causes of death.

RESULTS

The number of deaths was significantly higher in the conservative group (n = 9/51, 18%) compared with the operative counterpart (n = 8/146, 6%; p = 0.017). Death caused by septic multiorgan failure was the major cause of fatalities (n = 10/17, 59%) followed by death due to cardiopulmonary reasons (n = 4/17, 24%). The most frequent indication for conservative treatment in patients of group D included "highest perioperative risk" (n = 5/17, 29%).

CONCLUSION

We could demonstrate a significantly higher mortality rate in patients solely receiving conservative treatment. Mortality is associated with number and type of comorbidities, but also tends to be correlated with primarily acquired infection. As causes of death are predominantly associated with a septic patient state or progression of disease, our data may call for an earlier and more aggressive treatment. Nevertheless, prospective clinical trials will be mandatory to better understand the pathogenesis and course of spinal infection, and to develop high quality, evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Does preoperative prognostic nutrition index predict surgical site infection after spine surgery?

PURPOSE

Malnutrition is reported as one of the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI). The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a simple method for nutritional evaluation. However, little is known about the relationship between SSI and the PNI in patients after spine surgery. We aimed to determine independent predictors of SSI after spine surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed 1115 patients who underwent spine surgery (369 males, 746 females, mean age 56 years, follow-up period: at least 1 year). Patients were divided into SSI and non-SSI groups. Preoperative risk factors, including PNI (10 × serum albumin [g/dL] + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count [/μL]), were assessed.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 43 patients (3.9%) experienced SSI. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative PNI (48.5 vs 51.7; p < 0.01), revision status (p < 0.05), male sex (p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), and usage of anticoagulant agents (p < 0.05) differed significantly between the SSI and non-SSI groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative PNI (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-0.98; p < 0.01), male sex (OR, 2.64; 95% CI: 1.40-4.99; p < 0.01), length of surgery ≥ 180 min (OR, 2.78; 95% CI: 1.30-5.96; p < 0.01), BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (OR, 2.89; 95% CI: 1.20-6.97; p < 0.05), and revision status (OR, 2.30; 95% CI: 1.07-4.98; p < 0.05) were independently associated with SSI postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Lower preoperative PNI was found to be a risk factor for SSI after spine surgery. Patients with lower preoperative PNI values should be cautioned about the risk of SSI and provide adequate informed consent.

Optimizing Bariatric Surgery outcomes: the impact of preoperative elevated hemoglobin A1c levels on composite perioperative outcome measures

Introduction

The use of bariatric surgery in the management of obesity and its related morbidity has significantly increased in the US over the past decade. There is a lack of data on the impact of optimal preoperative glycemic control on the morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of hemoglobin (Hb) A1c > 7 on outcomes among patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

Data were extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (2017) and limited to patients undergoing an elective laparoscopic RYGB or SG. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to adjust for other preoperative variables.

Results

A total number of 31,060 (69.3%) patients underwent SG, while 13,754 (30.7%) received RYGB. Patients who were older, male, non-Hispanic, smokers, and those with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologist Classification (ASA) score were more likely to have elevated HbA1c levels. Compared to individuals with normal HbA1c levels, patients with elevated levels had no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.902) but did have a difference in composite morbidity and mortality (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, elevated HbA1c, older age, increasing body mass index (BMI), elevated creatinine, longer operations, African American race, receiving RYGB, and having a trainee as surgical assistant were found to increase the odds of having an adverse outcome. No significant difference was found within smoking status, sex, ASA Classification, robotic vs laparoscopic, or if a second attending surgeon was assisting.

Conclusions

HbA1c levels and presence of trainees in the OR are modifiable preoperative risk factors for adverse events following bariatric surgery. Improving preoperative glycemic control may be an effective and achievable quality improvement measure.

Does preventive care bundle have an impact on surgical site infections following spine surgery? An analysis of 9607 patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose was to analyze the effect of care bundle protocol on SSI in our institution. Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) pose significant health burden. In spite of the use of prophylactic antibiotics, surgical advances and postoperative care, wound infection continues to affect patient outcomes after spine surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 9607 consecutive patients who underwent spine procedures from 2014 to 2018 was performed. Preventive care bundle was implemented from January 2017 consisting of (a) preoperative bundle-glycemic control, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath, (b) intra-operative bundle-time specified antibiotic prophylaxis, CHG+ alcohol-based skin preparation (c) postoperative bundle-five moments of hand hygiene, early mobilization and bundle auditing. Patients operated from January 2017 were included in the post-implementation cohort and prior to that the pre-implementation cohort was formed. Data were drawn from weekly and yearly spine audits from the hospital infection committee software. Infection data were collected based on CDC criteria, further sub classification was done based on procedure, spinal disorders and spine level. Variables were analyzed and level of significance was set as < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 7333 patients met the criteria. The overall SSI rate decreased from 3.42% (131/3829) in pre-implementation cohort to 1.22% (43/3504, p = 0.0001) in post-implementation cohort (RR = 2.73, OR = 2.79). Statistically significant reduction was seen in all the groups (a) superficial and deep, (b) early and late and (c) instrumented and uninstrumented groups but was more pronounced in early (p = 0.0001), superficial (p = 0.0001) and instrumented groups (p = 0.0001). On subgroup analysis based on spine level and spinal disorders, significant reduction was seen in lumbar (p = 0.0001) and degenerative group (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed significant reduction of SSI secondary to strict bundle adherence and monitored compliance compared to patients who did not receive these interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Implant Retention or Removal for Management of Surgical Site Infection After Spinal Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

A literature review.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the implant removal rate, common bacterial organisms found, time of onset, ratio of superficial to deep infection, and regurgitating the prevalence among all the retrospective and prospective studies on management and characterization of surgical site infections (SSIs).

METHODS

PubMed was searched for articles published between 2000 and 2018 on the management or characterization of SSIs after spinal surgery. Only prospective and retrospective studies were included.

RESULTS

A total of 49 articles were found relevant to the objective. These studies highlighted the importance of implant removal to avoid recurrence of SSI. The common organisms detected were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes, with prevalence of 1% to 15%. A major proportion of all were deep SSI, with minority reporting on late-onset SSI.

CONCLUSION

Long-term antibiotics administration, and continuous irrigation and debridement were common suggestion among the authors; however, the key measure undertaken or implied by most authors to avoid risk of recurrence was removal or replacement of implants for late-onset SSI.

Multidisciplinary approaches to complication reduction in complex spine surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Complex spine surgery carries a high complication rate that can produce suboptimal outcomes for patients undergoing these extensive operations. However, multidisciplinary pathways introduced at multiple institutions have demonstrated a promising potential toward reducing the burden of complications in patients being treated for spinal deformities. To date, there has been no effort to systematically collate the multidisciplinary approaches in use at various institutions.

PURPOSE

The present study aims to determine effective multidisciplinary strategies for reducing the complication rate in complex spine surgery by analyzing existing institutional multidisciplinary approaches and delineating common themes across multiple practice settings.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

We followed guidelines established under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The studies reported on data from PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and Cochrane. We included articles that described either approaches to, or results from, the implementation of multidisciplinary paradigms during the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative phases of care for patients undergoing complex spine surgery. We excluded studies that only targeted one complication unless such an approach was in coordination with more extensive multidisciplinary planning at the same institution.

RESULTS

A total of 406 unique articles were identified. Following an initial determination based on title and abstract, 22 articles met criteria for full-text review, and 10 met the inclusion criteria to be included in the review. Key aspects of multidisciplinary approaches to complex spine surgery included extensive preoperative workup and interdisciplinary conferencing, intraoperative communication and monitoring, and postoperative floor management and discharge planning. These strategies produced decreases in surgical duration and complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first to systematically analyze multidisciplinary approaches to reduce complications in complex spine surgery. This review provides a roadmap toward reducing the elevated complication rate for patients undergoing complex spine surgery.

Current Strategies in Prevention of Postoperative Infections in Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common acute complications in spine surgery and have a devastating impact on outcomes. They can lead to increased morbidity and mortality as well as greater economic burden. Hence, preventive strategies to reduce the rate of SSIs after spine surgery have become vitally important. The purpose of this article was to summarize and critically analyze the available evidence related to current strategies in the prevention of SSIs after spine surgery.

METHODS

A literature search utilizing Medline database was performed. Relevant studies from all the evidence levels have been included. Recommendations to decrease the risk of SSIs have been provided based on the results from studies with the highest level of evidence.

RESULTS

SSI prevention occurs at each phase of care including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Meticulous patient selection, tight glycemic control in diabetics, smoking cessation, and screening/eradication of Staphylococcus aureus are some of the main preoperative patient-related preventive strategies. Currently used intraoperative measures include alcohol-based skin preparation, topical vancomycin powder, and betadine irrigation of the surgical site before closure. Postoperative infection prophylaxis can be performed by administration of silver-impregnated or vacuum dressings, extended intravenous antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although preventive strategies are already in use alone or in combination, further high-level research is required to prove their efficacy in reducing the rate of SSIs in spine surgery before evidence-based standard infection prophylaxis guidelines can be built.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Following Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

OBJECTIVES

Surgical site infection (SSI) following spine surgery leads to significant patient morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. The purpose of this article is to identify risk factors and strategies to prevent SSIs following spine surgery, with particular focus on avoiding infections in posterior cervical surgery.

METHODS

We performed a literature review and synthesis to identify methods that can be used to prevent the development of SSI following spine surgery. Specific pearls for preventing infection in posterior cervical spine surgery are also presented.

RESULTS

SSI prevention can be divided into patient and surgeon factors. Preoperative patient factors include smoking cessation, tight glycemic control, weight loss, and nutrition optimization. Surgeon factors include screening and treatment for pathologic microorganisms, skin preparation using chlorhexidine and alcohol, antimicrobial prophylaxis, hand hygiene, meticulous surgical technique, frequent irrigation, intrawound vancomycin powder, meticulous multilayered closure, and use of closed suction drains.

CONCLUSION

Prevention of SSI following spine surgery is multifactorial and begins with careful patient selection, preoperative optimization, and meticulous attention to numerous surgical factors. With careful attention to various patient and surgeon factors, it is possible to significantly reduce SSI rates following spine surgery.