Preoperative Maximization to Reduce Complications in Spinal Surgery

Sukanta Maitra; Christopher Mikhail; Samuel K Cho; Michael D Daubs

doi:10.1177/2192568219882349

Preoperative Maximization to Reduce Complications in Spinal Surgery

Global Spine J. 2020 Jan;10(1 Suppl):45S-52S. doi: 10.1177/2192568219882349. Epub 2020 Jan 6.

Authors

Sukanta Maitra¹, Christopher Mikhail², Samuel K Cho², Michael D Daubs¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UNLV School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
² Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

Study design: Invited narrative review.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to summarize current literature regarding risk factors that surgeons can optimize in the preoperative setting in the spinal surgery patient, in order to reduce complications and improve patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: Review of the relevant literature by the authors.

Results: Modifiable risk factors identified relative to the patient include obesity, malnutrition/nutrient deficiency, diabetes/hyperglycemia, preoperative anemia, vitamin D/DEXA (dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry), nicotine use/smoking, and opioid use/psychosocial factors.

Conclusion: By maximizing a patient's physiological and psychological status prior to elective spine surgery, we may move closer to achieving the goals of value-based care: improving patient-reported outcomes while decreasing the cost of care.

Keywords: anemia; complications; deficiency; diabetes; malnutrition; obesity; patient-reported outcomes; smoking; spinal surgery.