Our Summary

The research paper is about a study conducted to determine how often acute pancreatitis (a sudden inflammation of the pancreas) occurs after scoliosis surgery (a procedure to correct abnormal curvature of the spine), and the risk factors for this.

176 patients who had scoliosis surgery were monitored from September 2014 to October 2015. The researchers found that 13 patients (or 7.4%) developed acute pancreatitis after their surgery.

The patients who developed pancreatitis tended to have lower body weight (as measured by Body Mass Index), more severe scoliosis before surgery, less successful correction of their spine curvature, lower blood pressure during surgery, and longer sections of their spine fused during surgery.

The study also found that less body weight, lower blood pressure during surgery, and longer sections of the spine being fused were risk factors that made it more likely for a patient to develop pancreatitis after scoliosis surgery.

For the patients that developed pancreatitis, it was treated by giving them intravenous fluids, making them fast, and resting their bowels. All of them recovered completely within 2 to 5 days.

FAQs

  1. How often does acute pancreatitis occur following scoliosis surgery?
  2. What are the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing pancreatitis after scoliosis surgery?
  3. How is pancreatitis treated in patients who develop it after scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scoliosis surgery is to maintain a healthy body weight, as lower body weight was found to be a risk factor for developing acute pancreatitis after surgery. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential risks associated with the surgery, such as changes in blood pressure during the procedure and the length of the spine being fused, and discuss these with their healthcare provider before undergoing surgery. It is important to follow post-operative instructions carefully and communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Based on the findings of this study, patients who are at higher risk for developing acute pancreatitis after scoliosis surgery include those with lower body weight, more severe scoliosis, less successful correction of spine curvature, lower blood pressure during surgery, and longer sections of the spine fused. These patients may need to be monitored more closely during and after surgery to prevent and promptly treat any complications that may arise.

Timeline

Before scoliosis surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of evaluations and tests to determine the severity of their condition and the best treatment plan. This may include physical exams, X-rays, MRI scans, and consultations with various specialists.

During scoliosis surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia and the surgeon corrects the curvature of the spine using various techniques such as spinal fusion or instrumentation. The surgery can take several hours to complete.

After scoliosis surgery, the patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or side effects. They may experience pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the days following surgery. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often recommended to help the patient regain strength and function in their spine.

Overall, the recovery process after scoliosis surgery can be challenging and may require several months of rest and rehabilitation. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of developing acute pancreatitis after scoliosis surgery?
  2. What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis that I should watch out for after surgery?
  3. Are there any specific risk factors that I have that could increase my chances of developing pancreatitis after surgery?
  4. How will acute pancreatitis be diagnosed and treated if it occurs after my surgery?
  5. What can I do to lower my risk of developing pancreatitis after surgery?
  6. How long is the recovery process for acute pancreatitis after scoliosis surgery?
  7. Are there any long-term complications or effects of developing pancreatitis after surgery that I should be aware of?
  8. Will my scoliosis surgery be adjusted or delayed if I am at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or precautions that can be taken to prevent pancreatitis after surgery?
  10. Will I need any additional monitoring or follow-up care if I develop pancreatitis after my scoliosis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Feng F, Tan H, Li X, Qiao Y, Chen C, Lin Y, Li Z, Shen J. Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2018 May 1;43(9):630-636. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002389. PMID: 29016446