Our Summary

The research paper is looking into the occurrence of blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), after surgery. These clots can cause serious health problems and even death. The researchers compared the rates of these clots in two groups of patients: those who had had spinal cord injuries a long time ago, and those who had general surgery.

They found that people with chronic spinal cord injuries had a much lower rate of DVT after surgery than the general surgery group. However, the rates of PE were not significantly different between the two groups.

The researchers suggest that there might be something about having a long-term spinal cord injury that protects against these types of blood clots. More research is needed to understand why this is the case, but this finding could potentially change how we prevent blood clots in the future, and could lead to the development of new prevention strategies.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research paper on spinal surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the research in terms of rates of DVT and PE in patients with spinal cord injuries versus those who had general surgery?
  3. How might the findings of this research impact future prevention strategies for blood clots?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed blood thinners or wearing compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots. It’s also important to stay active and avoid prolonged periods of immobility to promote circulation and reduce the risk of clot formation. Be sure to communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare team promptly to receive proper care and monitoring.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors, and degenerative disc disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking, which may not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. In these cases, spinal surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove a tumor. Additionally, patients with severe spinal cord injuries or trauma may also require spinal surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient experiences chronic pain, limited mobility, and other symptoms related to their spinal condition
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including imaging tests and consultations with surgeons and other healthcare providers
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, to optimize their health before surgery

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve spinal fusion, disc replacement, or other techniques depending on their condition
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the affected area
  • Patient may need to take medication for pain management and to prevent infections
  • Patient follows up with their surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring of their recovery progress
  • Patient may need to make further lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, to support their recovery and prevent future spinal issues

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of spinal surgery in relation to blood clot formation, specifically DVT and PE?

  2. What preventative measures can be taken before, during, and after spinal surgery to reduce the risk of developing blood clots?

  3. How common are blood clots, specifically DVT and PE, following spinal surgery compared to other types of surgeries?

  4. What are the symptoms of DVT and PE that I should watch out for after surgery?

  5. How will my medical history, including any existing spinal cord injuries, impact my risk of developing blood clots after surgery?

  6. Are there any medications or interventions that can be used to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing spinal surgery?

  7. What is the protocol for monitoring and treating blood clots if they do occur after spinal surgery?

  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or activities that I should avoid after surgery to reduce my risk of blood clots?

  9. How long after surgery is the risk of developing blood clots highest, and what can be done to minimize this risk during that time period?

  10. Are there any research studies or ongoing trials related to blood clot prevention in patients undergoing spinal surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Moore RM, Rimler J, Smith BR, Wirth GA, Paydar KZ. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Nov;138(5):908e-914e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002666. PMID: 27783010