Risk factors for prolonged length of stay after first single-level lumbar microdiscectomy

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to identify risk factors that potentially prolong the hospital stay in patients after undergoing first single-level open lumbar microdiscectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre study was conducted. Demographic data, medical records, intraoperative course, and imaging studies were analysed. The outcome measure was defined by the number of days stayed after the operation. A prolonged length of stay (LOS) stay was defined as a minimum of one additional day beyond the median hospital stay in our patient collective. Bivariate analysis and multiple stepwise regression were used to identify independent factors related to the prolonged hospital stay.

RESULTS

Two hundred consecutive patients who underwent first lumbar microdiscectomy between 2018 and 2022 at our clinic were included in this study. Statistical analysis of factors potentially prolonging postoperative hospital stay was done for a total of 24 factors, seven of them were significantly related to prolonged LOS in bivariate analysis. Sex (p = 0.002, median 5 vs. 4 days for females vs. males) and age (rs = 0.35, p ≤ 0.001, N = 200) were identified among the examined demographic factors. Regarding preoperative physical status, preoperative immobility reached statistical significance (p ≤ 0.001, median 5 vs. 4 days). Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.043, median 5 vs. 4 days), anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet agents (p = 0.045, median 5 vs. 4 days), and postoperative narcotic consumption (p ≤ 0.001, median 5 vs. 4 days) as comorbidities were associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Performance of nucleotomy (p = 0.023, median 5 vs. 4 days) was a significant intraoperative factor. After linear stepwise multivariable regression, only preoperative immobility (p ≤ 0.001) was identified as independent risk factors for prolonged length of postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified preoperative immobility as a significant predictor of prolonged hospital stay, highlighting its value in preoperative assessments and as a tool to pinpoint at-risk patients. Prospective clinical trials with detailed assessment of mobility, including grading, need to be done to verify our results.

Understanding crossovers and potential ways to mitigate the problem: Lessons from influential trials on lumbar microdiscectomy

BACKGROUND

Lumbar microdiscectomy is the most frequent surgical intervention used in the treatment of sciatica from herniated lumbar discs. Many discectomy trials have been plagued with an excessive number of crossovers that have rendered results inconclusive.

METHODS

We review the design and results of influential lumbar microdiscectomy trials. We also discuss the various strategies that have been used to decrease the number of crossovers or to mitigate the effects of crossovers on analyses.

RESULTS

Randomized trials on lumbar discectomy were affected by crossover rates of 8% to 42%. Various strategies that have been used to decrease that number or to mitigate the effects on results include: patient selection, blinding (placebo-controlled trials), an immediate access to surgery for the surgical group (but limited access to surgery for the conservative group), shortening the follow-up period necessary to reach the primary outcome measure, postponing crossovers to surgery after determination of the primary outcome, and modifying the primary outcome measure to include treatment failures. Crossovers should be anticipated and compensated for by increasing the number of participants.

CONCLUSION

Non-adherence to randomly allocated management options can deprive trials of the statistical power needed to inform clinical care. Crossovers and ways to mitigate related problems should be anticipated at the time of trial design.

Understanding how the research question impacts trial design: Examples from discectomy trials

BACKGROUND

Formulating a pertinent research question is of the utmost importance in clinical research. An ill-conceived question may lead to an erroneous trial design, which may adversely affect the care of patients and provide uninformative or even misleading results.

METHODS

We review the research question of a randomized trial on the timing of lumbar discectomy. We compare the resulting design with other trials, real or hypothetical, that would have been more appropriate.

RESULTS

The RCT we examine randomly allocated patients to early or delayed surgery to answer a theoretical question of the effect of time on the efficacy of surgery. The trial was interpreted to have shown that early surgery was associated with better clinical and functional outcomes as compared to delayed surgery. This conclusion is clinically misleading. Valid comparisons between groups should be performed on intent-to-treat analyses and at the same time points after randomization (and not at a fixed follow-up period after surgery). The clinically pertinent comparison is not between the theoretical efficacy of surgery performed at various times, but between surgery and conservative management in patients presenting at various times. Better-designed trials on the clinical benefits of lumbar discectomy, including the treatment of chronic sciatica, have been published.

CONCLUSION

Theoretical research questions inspired from observational data can lead to erroneous trial design. Prospective randomized trials impact practice immediately: they are unique occasions to address clinical problems and optimize care under uncertainty in real time. However, they require the research question to be formulated with great care.

Return to sport after lumbar microdiscectomy in high school and college age athletes

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported return to play (RTP) rates for athletes after lumbar discectomy, but not specifically younger athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate RTP rate of young athletes after lumbar microdiscectomy.

METHODS

Medical records for a single spine surgeon were reviewed to identify lumbar microdiscectomy patients. Patients were included if they were 21 years old or younger at the time of surgery and were athletes. 38 patients (25 male, 13 female) were identified, with mean age at surgery of 19 years. Level of herniated nucleus pulposus, variant anatomy, degenerative change, gender, preoperative blocks, ring apophyseal fractures, and duration of symptoms from onset until surgery were recorded. Patients were contacted to determine when and if they RTP.

RESULTS

Most patients had degenerative changes at the time of surgery, with a mean Pfirrmann score of 2.2. The average time from onset of symptoms until surgery was 11 months. All patients were reached for follow-up at an average 51 months post-op. 71% returned to play at an average of 4.5 months. There were no statistical differences in Pfirrmann Grade and RTP rates between high school and collegiate athletes, between males and females, nor between patients with two-level and one-level discectomies. Pfirrmann Grade was not significantly different between patients who RTP and those who did not RTP.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for returning to competitive sports after lumbar microdiscectomy in young athletes is good. RTP rate and Pfirrmann Grade were not related to gender, sport level, or discectomy level.

Adopting the day surgery default in the provision of lumbar discectomy and decompressive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Provision of day case spinal procedures in the UK is below expected standards and there is a need for the creation of guidance and patient pathways to address this. Here we present a day case lumbar discectomy protocol and evaluate its impact at our institution.

METHODS

A new pathway (incorporating defined selection criteria, patient education, anaesthetic protocol and discharge prescriptions) was implemented for all suitable patients within a single surgeon's cohort. Day case rates for lumbar discectomy were compared before and after implementation. Patient feedback was collated using a patient-reported experience measure.

RESULTS

Eighteen of 23 patients selected as suitable via the pathway successfully underwent day surgery, leading to an increase in lumbar discectomy day case rates from 25% to 69% at our institution. Nearly all patients were satisfied with their experience, although a significant proportion felt provision of postoperative analgesia could be improved.

CONCLUSION

We present a day surgery pathway for lumbar discectomy that is safe and effective. This could be more widely implemented to increase day case rates.

Effect of Duration of Symptoms on the Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives

The objective is to determine whether the preoperative duration of symptoms can affect the clinical and functional outcomes after microdiscectomy.

Method

This study is a single blind randomized controlled trial with level 1 evidence. From 3 January 2016 to 15 February 2017, 122 adult patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation were divided randomly by computer system into three groups were treated by microdiscectomy at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months from onset of symptoms respectively. Ninety‐seven patients, age (19–47) years, 42 males and 55 females, were analyzed at the end of this study with 3 years of follow up. Primary outcome measures are Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland‐Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain and leg pain. Secondary outcome measures are post‐operative complications, length of hospital stay and time of return to daily activities.

Results

There was significant difference in VAS for back pain among study groups (P = 0.002) at 2 weeks). There were significant differences in VAS for leg pain among study groups (P < 0.001) at 2 weeks and at 3 months (P = 0.003). There was significant difference in ODI among study groups at 2 weeks, 3, 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years (P = 0.037 at 2 weeks and P < 0.001 at other periods of assessments) and we found that the mean of ODI in group 6 weeks was better than group 3 months and this was better than group 6 months in all periods of assessment. Group 6 weeks was better than group 3 months and this was better than group 6 months in postoperative improvements regarding RMQ with significant difference at 2 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.001) and at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Duration of preoperative symptoms, in patients with lumbar disc herniation, can affect the clinical and functional outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy as the shorter duration of symptoms resulted in better postoperative clinical and functional outcomes.

Association between MRI findings and clinical outcomes in a period of 5 years after lumbar spine microdiscectomy

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and pain, disability and quality of life before surgery and up to 5 years after lumbar microdiscectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients who underwent one-level lumbar microdiscectomy by the same surgeon participated in this analytic, observational, prospective study. Lumbar spine MRI was performed preoperatively and 5 years postoperatively. Pain, disability and quality of life were measured with VAS, ODI, Roland Morris and SF-36 pre- and up to 5 years postoperatively. Subsequently associations between radiological findings and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Before surgery patients with disc extrusion or sequestration, with increased thecal sac compression (d > 2/3), with Modic changes (MC) 2 and 3 on the operated level and Pfirrmann grades IV and V on the operated and both adjacent discs presented the worst preoperative clinical outcomes. MC preoperatively were not related with postoperative results, in contrast with the type of disc herniation and thecal sac compression. Preoperative Pfirrmann grade IV and V on the operated and both adjacent discs and postoperative MC 2 and 3 on the operated level were related to poor clinical outcomes 36-60 months post-discectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Extrusion or sequestration of the operated disc, increased compression of thecal sac, MC 2 and 3 on the operated level and Pfirrmann grades IV and V on the operated and adjacent discs were associated with the worst clinical outcomes. Nerve root impingement, facet joint arthritis, perineural fibrosis and disc granulation tissue had no effect on clinical scores.

[Unilateral mydriasis: a complication of spine surgery in prone position]

Prone position is commonly used for better access to surgical site, but may be associated with a variety of complications. Perioperative Visual Disturbances or loss is rare but a devastating complication that is primarily associated with spine surgeries in prone position. In this case we report a 42 year old ASA-II patient who developed anisocoria with left pupillary dilatation following lumbar microdiscectomy in prone position. Following further evaluation of the patient, segmental pupillary palsy of the left pupillary muscles was found to be the possible because of anisocoria. Anisocoria partially improved but persisted till follow up.

Surgical outcome and efficacy of lumbar microdiscectomy technique with preserving of ligamentum flavum for recurrent lumbar disc herniations

The reoperation for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH) causes difficulties and low surgical outcome. The operation technique which was preferred in the first surgery has gained importance in reoperation for recurrent-LDH. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of lumbar microdiscectomy technique with preserving of ligamentum flavum (LF) for recurrent lumbar disc surgery. 149 patients were evaluated in two groups in our study, who were treated for single level recurrent-LDH in our clinic. The first group contains 86 patients who were treated by lumbar microdiscectomy without preserving LF during first surgery in other clinics, the second group contains 63 patients who were treated by lumbar microdiscectomy with preserving of LF during first surgery in our clinic. We investigated age, weight, gender, recurrence-time, level-side of recurrent-LDH, the surgical outcomes and hemorrhage, complications, operation-time. The mean-age was 45,9 ± 12,9, 44,1 ± 11,6 years and mean-weight was 73,4 ± 14,4, 77,3 ± 14,2 kg in two groups. 29 patients were treated for L3-4, 63 patients for L4-5, 57 patients were treated for L5-S1 recurrent LDH. The preoperative and follow-up back-leg pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores decreased significantly in all patients (p < 0,05). The average operation-time was 70,9 ± 5,2 and 42,3 ± 4,6 min and the average surgical hemorrhage was 91,1 ± 11,3 and 50,3 ± 7,4 ml in 1. group and 2. group respectively. Preserving of LF in first surgery is gaining importance for recurrent lumbar disc surgery with protected anatomical structures. Our technique decreases complication, operation time, surgical hemorrhage and provides good surgical outcomes in recurrent lumbar disc surgery.

The evidence-based approach for surgical complications in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to review the evidence-based approach for surgical complications following disc herniation.

METHODS

A search of the primary English literature was conducted for research examining the outcomes and complications of surgical discectomy. Special regard was given to high-quality prospective randomized studies.

RESULTS

The most commonly reported complications of surgical treatment of disc herniation are included in this review. Medical complications, and surgical complications including infection, durotomy, neurological injury, symptomatic re-herniation, and revision surgery are defined and systematically reviewed in detail for incidence, evaluation, and management.

CONCLUSION

This article provides the clinician and surgeon with a review of the evidence-based evaluation and management of surgical complications following disc herniation, offering best practice guidelines for informed discussions with patients in shared decision-making.

Postoperative MRI findings 5 years after lumbar microdiscectomy

BACKGROUND

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a common procedure with satisfactory results; however, postoperative events like progressive adjacent level degeneration and perineural fibrosis can contribute to long-term pain. The purpose of the study was to evaluate MRI changes 5 years after lumbar microdiscectomy and assess their association with clinical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study enrolling 61 patients who underwent microdiscectomy. Changes between preoperative and postoperative MRI findings were recorded, and these findings were tested for associations with demographic, clinical and perioperative parameters. The measured imaging parameters were degeneration of the operated and adjacent discs and endplates, morphology of the disc herniation, facet joints arthritis and the presence of postoperative perineural fibrosis.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative morphology of the operated disc, facet joints arthritis and degeneration of the operated and caudal adjacent disc. There were no differences between preoperative and postoperative disc degeneration of the superior adjacent disc and in degeneration of the operated and adjacent endplates. Postoperatively perineural fibrosis was common; however, thecal sac compression and nerve root impingement were reduced. Age at the time of surgery was the only parameter associated with postoperative changes.

CONCLUSION

Five years after microdiscectomy, several postoperative MRI changes including operated disc's morphology, facet joints arthritis and degeneration of the operated and caudal adjacent disc were shown. Taking into consideration that participants were on average middle-aged, these changes could be attributed not only to the impact of the surgery but also to the natural history of lumbar spine degeneration.

Manipulative rehabilitation applied soon after lumbar disc surgery improves late post-operative functional disability: A preliminary 2-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown late post-operative physical disability and residual pain in patients following lumbar disc surgery despite growing evidence of its beneficial effects. Therefore, rehabilitation is required to minimise the late post-operative complications.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of manipulative rehabilitation to improve late post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients aged 25-65 years undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation group (n= 14) or active control group (n= 7) by simple randomisation. Eight rehabilitation sessions were initiated 2-3 weeks after surgery. Thirty-minute sessions were conducted twice weekly for four weeks. Post-operative physical disability and pain were assessed at baseline and at the two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Post-operative physical disability improved more in patients who had undergone rehabilitation than in those who had received control care (63% vs. -23%, P< 0.05). Post-operative residual low back and leg pain were alleviated in the treatment group (26% and 57%, respectively), but intensified in the control group (-5% and -8%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the potential of manipulative rehabilitation and importance of post-operative management after lumbar disc surgery. Definitive trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the feasibility and potential therapeutic effectiveness of this approach.

Lumbar microdiscectomy as a day-case procedure: Scope for improvement?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are no significant differences in outcomes between patients receiving inpatient and day-case lumbar microdiscectomy, but the latter is still underused in the NHS. Here we aimed to identify factors contributing to successful same-day discharge in day-case patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing elective lumbar microdiscectomy between August 2012 and December 2014. Age, gender, day of surgery, distance to hospital, ASA grade, regular opiate use, smoking status, order on the operating list, and side and level of surgery were examined by logistic regression to assess their influence on same-day discharge.

RESULTS

28/95 (29.5%) patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Age (p = 0.041), ASA grade (p = 0.016), distance to hospital (p = 0.011), and position on the list (p = 0.004) were associated with day-case discharge by univariate analysis. ASA grade (p = 0.032; OR 0.176), distance to hospital (p = 0.003; OR 0.965), and position on the operating list (morning case; p = 0.011; OR 8.901) remained significant in multivariate analysis. Thirteen (13.7%) patients were identified who could have been managed as day cases had they been listed for morning operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Day-case lumbar microdiscectomy is viable when patients are carefully selected. Younger, fit patients living close to the hospital and operated on in the morning are more likely to be discharged on the same day. Knowledge of these factors while planning elective lists can help optimise bed space and improve spinal services.

General versus epidural anesthesia for lumbar microdiscectomy

This study was a retrospective analysis of 850 lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) under epidural anesthesia (EA; n=573) or general anesthesia (GA; n=277) performed by the same surgeon and paid by invoice to the Social Security Institution of the Turkish Republic between April 2003 and May 2013. Although GA is the most frequently used method of anesthesia during LMD, the choice of regional anesthetia (epidural, spinal or a combination of these) differs between surgeons and anesthetists. Studies have reported that EA in surgery for lumbar disc herniation may be more reliable than GA, as it enables the surgeon to communicate with the patient during surgery, but few studies have compared the costs of these two anesthetic methods in LMD. We found that EA patient costs were significantly lower than GA patient costs (p<0.01) and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the time spent in the operating room (p<0.01). There was no difference in the duration of surgery (p>0.05). The anesthetic method used during LMD affected the complication rate, cost and efficiency of operating room use. We suggest that EA is an anesthetic method that can contribute to health care cost savings and enable LMD to be completed with less nerve root manipulation and more comfort, efficacy, reliability and cost efficiency without affecting the success rate of the surgical procedure.