Study Points to Risk Factors in Spinal Stenosis Surgery
20September2013
A recent report may help doctors identify patients at increased risk for major medical complications after surgery for spinal stenosis. The researchers found that certain indicators of poor preoperative health can predict a higher risk of complications.
Spinal stenosis is a common reason for older adults to undergo spinal surgery. It is a condition in which the space around the spinal cord narrows.
The study involved data on more than 12,000 patients who had surgery for stenosis in the lower spine at Veterans Affairs hospitals between 1998 and 2009. The results were published in the journal Spine.
The researchers focused on serious complications such as myocardial infarction, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and sepsis.
The overall rate of serious complications was 2.1%, and the risk of fatality within a period of three months was 0.6%. The risk of complications increased with patients’ age. Among patients under age 50, the risk was less than 1%, while among patients over age 80, the risk was approximately 4%.
Other factors that raised the risk of major medical complications included the existence of a serious medical condition. The type of surgery also affected prognosis. Patients who underwent surgery for spinal fusion were more likely to suffer complications than those who underwent spinal decompression procedures. Patients who were on diabetes medications or other medications for chronic diseases were also at a higher risk of complications.
Surgeons have an obligation to protect the safety of patients. This study underscores the importance of careful selection of surgical candidates, and full disclosure of potential complications to patients.
The Seattle medical malpractice lawyers at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC represent victims of medical negligence by doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel in the Seattle area and across Washington.
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