Our Summary

This study looked at the factors that increase the risk of infection at the site of spinal surgeries that involve the use of medical tools or devices, known as surgical site infections (SSIs). The researchers examined the medical records of 431 patients who had these types of surgeries between 2011 and 2014. They found that 15 patients (around 3.5%) had infections either deep within the wound or at the surface. The factors that were significantly linked to the risk of infection included having diabetes, having low levels of a protein called albumin in the blood, and taking seven or more regular medications. The study concluded that the number of regular medications a patient takes is a crucial risk factor for infection after spinal surgery. This means that patients who are on multiple medications should be monitored closely for possible infections after their surgery.

FAQs

  1. What factors increase the risk of infection after spinal surgery?
  2. How many patients in the study experienced infections after their spinal surgeries?
  3. How does the number of regular medications a patient takes influence the risk of infection post-spinal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to closely monitor their medication intake, especially if they are taking seven or more regular medications. Patients with diabetes or low levels of albumin in their blood may also be at higher risk for infection after spinal surgery and should take extra precautions to prevent complications. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions, keep the surgical site clean and dry, and report any signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, or drainage) to their healthcare provider promptly. Regular follow-up appointments and communication with their healthcare team are key to a successful recovery from spinal surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those who have:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal fractures
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spinal instability
  • Failed previous non-surgical treatments

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultation with a surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing such as blood work, imaging scans, and physical examinations
  • Patient may receive preoperative instructions on what to do leading up to the surgery, such as fasting or stopping certain medications
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days before the surgery for observation and preparation

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the immediate postoperative period for any complications such as bleeding, infections, or nerve damage
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week for recovery and rehabilitation
  • Patient may need to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area
  • Patient may need to take pain medications and antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infections
  • Patient may need to follow up with the surgeon for postoperative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of spinal surgery do I need and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How many surgeries of this type have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what are the chances of needing additional surgeries in the future?
  8. How will the surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  10. What steps can I take to reduce the risk of infection after the surgery, especially considering my current medications and medical history?

Reference

Authors: Shoji H, Hirano T, Watanabe K, Ohashi M, Mizouchi T, Endo N. Journal: J Orthop Sci. 2018 May;23(3):449-454. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2018.02.008. Epub 2018 Mar 2. PMID: 29506769