Contemporary analysis of the intraoperative and perioperative complications of neurosurgical procedures performed in the sitting position

OBJECTIVEHistorically, performing neurosurgery with the patient in the sitting position offered advantages such as improved visualization and gravity-assisted retraction. However, this position fell out of favor at many centers due to the perceived risk of venous air embolism (VAE) and other position-related complications. Some neurosurgical centers continue to perform sitting-position cases in select patients, often using modern monitoring techniques that may improve procedural safety. Therefore, this paper reports the risks associated with neurosurgical procedures performed in the sitting position in a modern series.METHODSThe authors reviewed the anesthesia records for instances of clinically significant VAE and other complications for all neurosurgical procedures performed in the sitting position between January 1, 2000, and October 8, 2013. In addition, a prospectively maintained morbidity and mortality log of these procedures was reviewed for instances of subdural or intracerebral hemorrhage, tension pneumocephalus, and quadriplegia. Both overall and specific complication rates were calculated in relation to the specific type of procedure.RESULTSIn a series of 1792 procedures, the overall complication rate related to the sitting position was 1.45%, which included clinically significant VAE, tension pneumocephalus, and subdural hemorrhage. The rate of any detected VAE was 4.7%, but the rate of VAE requiring clinical intervention was 1.06%. The risk of clinically significant VAE was highest in patients undergoing suboccipital craniotomy/craniectomy with a rate of 2.7% and an odds ratio (OR) of 2.8 relative to deep brain stimulator cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–70, p = 0.04). Sitting cervical spine cases had a comparatively lower complication rate of 0.7% and an OR of 0.28 as compared with all cranial procedures (95% CI 0.12–0.67, p < 0.01). Sitting cervical cases were further subdivided into extradural and intradural procedures. The rate of complications in intradural cases was significantly higher (OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.4–39, p = 0.02) than for extradural cases. The risk of VAE in intradural spine procedures did not differ significantly from sitting suboccipital craniotomy/craniectomy cases (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.09–5.4, p = 0.7). Two cases (0.1%) had to be aborted intraoperatively due to complications. There were no instances of intraoperative deaths, although there was a single death within 30 days of surgery.CONCLUSIONSIn this large, modern series of cases performed in the sitting position, the complication rate was low. Suboccipital craniotomy/craniectomy was associated with the highest risk of complications. When appropriately used with modern anesthesia techniques, the sitting position provides a safe means of surgical access.

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Prospective review of a single center's general pediatric neurosurgical intraoperative and postoperative complication rates

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2013.9.peds13222 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 107-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Erik J. van Lindert ◽

Hans Delye ◽

Jody Leonardo

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Postoperative Complication ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Surgical Procedure ◽

Neurosurgical Procedures ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Tumor Surgery ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Targeted Interventions

Object The authors conducted a study to compare the complication rate (CR) of pediatric neurosurgical procedures in a general neurosurgery department to the CRs that are reported in the literature and to establish a baseline of CR for further targeted improvement of quality neurosurgical care. Methods The authors analyzed the prospectively collected data from a complication registration of 1000 consecutive pediatric neurosurgical procedures in 581 patients from the beginning of the registration in January 2004 through August 2008. A pediatric neurosurgeon was involved in 50.5% of the procedures. All adverse events (AEs) from induction of anesthesia until 30 days postoperatively were recorded. Results Overall, 229 complications were counted in 202 procedures. The overall CR was 20.2%, with a 2.7% intraoperative CR and a 17.5% postoperative CR. Tumor surgery was associated with the highest CR (32.7%), followed by CSF disorders (21.8%). The mortality rate was 0.3%. An unplanned return to the operating room in relation to an AE happened in 10.5% of all procedures and in 52% of procedures associated with AEs, the majority of which were related to CSF disorders. Conclusions The CR in pediatric neurosurgical procedures was significant, and more than half of the patients with an AE required a repeat surgical procedure. Analysis of CRs should be a prerequisite for the prevention of complications and for the development of targeted interventions to reduce the CR (for example, infection rates).

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Occurrence and management of postoperative pneumocephalus using the semi-sitting position in vestibular schwannoma surgery

Acta Neurochirurgica ◽

10.1007/s00701-020-04504-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 162 (11) ◽

pp. 2629-2636

Author(s):

Kathrin Machetanz ◽

Felix Leuze ◽

Kristin Mounts ◽

Leonidas Trakolis ◽

Isabel Gugel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posterior Fossa ◽

Supine Position ◽

Tumor Size ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Neurosurgical Procedures ◽

Posterior Fossa Surgery ◽

Sitting Position ◽

Tension Pneumocephalus ◽

Replacement Procedure ◽

Duration Of Surgery

Abstract Background The semi-sitting position in neurosurgical procedures is still under debate due to possible complications such as venous air embolism (VAE) or postoperative pneumocephalus (PP). Studies reporting a high frequency of the latter raise the question about the clinical relevance (i.e., the incidence of tension pneumocephalus) and the efficacy of a treatment by an air replacement procedure. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 540 patients harboring vestibular schwannomas who underwent posterior fossa surgery in a supine (n = 111) or semi-sitting (n = 429) position. The extent of the PP was evaluated by voxel-based volumetry (VBV) and related to clinical predictive factors (i.e., age, gender, position, duration of surgery, and tumor size). Results PP with a mean volume of 32 ± 33 ml (range: 0–179.1 ml) was detected in 517/540 (96%) patients. The semi-sitting position was associated with a significantly higher PP volume than the supine position (40.3 ± 33.0 ml [0–179.1] and 0.8 ± 1.4 [0–10.2], p < 0.001). Tension pneumocephalus was observed in only 14/429 (3.3%) of the semi-sitting cases, while no tension pneumocephalus occurred in the supine position. Positive predictors for PP were higher age, male gender, and longer surgery duration, while large (T4) tumor size was established as a negative predictor. Air exchange via a twist-drill was only necessary in 14 cases with an intracranial air volume > 60 ml. Air replacement procedures did not add any complications or prolong the ICU stay. Conclusion Although pneumocephalus is frequently observed following posterior fossa surgery in semi-sitting position, relevant clinical symptoms (i.e., a tension pneumocephalus) occur in only very few cases. These cases are well-treated by an air evacuation procedure. This study indicates that the risk of postoperative pneumocephalus is not a contraindication for semi-sitting positioning.

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The Materials Utilized in Cranial Reconstruction: Past, Current, and Future: A Review

Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2292550320928560 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 229255032092856

Author(s):

Haley Meyer ◽

Syed I. Khalid ◽

Amir H. Dorafshar ◽

Richard W. Byrne

Keyword(s):

Computer Aided Design ◽

English Language ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Statistical Analyses ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Future Research ◽

Neurosurgical Procedures ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Graft Material ◽

Ongoing Research

Background: Cranioplasty (CP) is associated with high complication rates compared to other common neurosurgical procedures. Several graft materials are used for CP, which may contribute to the high complication rates, but data in the literature regarding the influence of graft material on post-CP outcomes are inconsistent making it difficult to determine if, when, and to what extent the graft material impacts the rate of perioperative complications. There is an increased demand to identify and develop superior graft materials. Objective: To review and compare the indications, risks, complications, and patient results associated with the use of different graft materials for cranial reconstructions. Design: A search through EBSCO host was conducted using the keywords “craniectomy” or “decompressive craniectomy,” “cranioplasty,” and “materials.” The search was limited to literature published in the English language from 2005 until the present. Ultimately, 69 articles were included in this review. Due to the heterogeneity of the study populations, results, statistical analyses, and collecting methods, no statistical analyses could be performed. Conclusions: Several graft materials have been adapted for use in cranial reconstructions with inconsistent results making it unclear if or when one material may be indicated over others. Advances in computer-aided design have led to improved patient-specific implants, but the ideal graft material is still being sought after in ongoing research efforts. Reviewing materials currently available, as well as those in clinical trials, is important to identify the limitations associated with different implants and to guide future research.

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Intraoperative oxygen embolus and tension pneumocephalus: Is hydrogen peroxide the culprit?

Journal of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care ◽

10.4103/jnacc-jnacc-11.17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 04 (02) ◽

pp. 114-116

Author(s):

Supriya Dsouza ◽

Anil Parakh ◽

Chitra Sarma ◽

Adarsh Kulkarni ◽

Ajit Baviskar

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Peroxide ◽

Supine Position ◽

Air Embolism ◽

Neurological Complications ◽

Neurosurgical Procedures ◽

Sitting Position ◽

Tension Pneumocephalus ◽

Venous Air Embolism ◽

Intracranial Surgery

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) irrigation is commonly utilised in neurosurgical and non-neurosurgical procedures for its bactericidal and haemostatic effects. Tension pneumocephalus and venous air embolism are potentially disastrous neurological complications mostly seen after intracranial surgery in sitting position and trauma. We present a case of oxygen embolus and tension pneumocephalus after H2O2 irrigation during craniotomy in supine position.

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Intraoperative and perioperative complications in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a review of 513 patients

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2014.10.spine14129 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 487-495 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Albert P. Wong ◽

Zachary A. Smith ◽

Alexander T. Nixon ◽

Cort D. Lawton ◽

Nader S. Dahdaleh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Complication Rate ◽

Interbody Fusion ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Disc Disease ◽

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Perioperative Complication

OBJECT Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has become one of the preferred procedures for circumferential fusion in the lumbar spine. Over the last decade, advances in surgical techniques have enabled surgeons to perform the TLIF procedure through a minimally invasive approach (MI-TLIF). There are a few studies reported in the medical literature in which perioperative complication rates of MI-TLIF were evaluated; here, the authors present the largest cohort series to date. They analyzed intraoperative and perioperative complications in 513 consecutive MI-TLIF–treated patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 513 consecutive patients treated over a 10-year period for lumbar degenerative disc disease using MI-TLIF. All patients undergoing either a first-time or revision 1- or 2-level MI-TLIF procedure were included in the study. Demographic, intraoperative, and perioperative data were collected and analyzed using bivariate analyses (Student t-test, analysis of variance, odds ratio, chi-square test) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression). RESULTS A total of 513 patients underwent an MI-TLIF procedure, and the perioperative complication rate was 15.6%. The incidence of durotomy was 5.1%, and the medical and surgical infection rates were 1.4% and 0.2%, respectively. A statistically significant increase in the infection rate was seen in revision MI-TLIF cases, and the same was found for the perioperative complication rate in multilevel MI-TLIF cases. Instrumentation failure occurred in 2.3% of the cases. After analysis, no statistically significant difference was seen in the rates of durotomy during revision and multilevel surgeries. There was no significant difference between the complication rates when stratified according to presenting diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest study of perioperative complications in MI-TLIF in the literature. A total of 513 patients underwent MI-TLIF (perioperative complication rate 15.6%). The most common complication was a durotomy (5.1%), and there was only 1 surgical wound infection (0.2%). There were significantly more perioperative infections in revision MI-TLIF cases and more perioperative complications in multilevel MI-TLIF cases. The results of this study suggest that MI-TLIF has a similar or better perioperative complication profile than those documented in the literature for open-TLIF treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease.

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A retrospective study of the short-term complication rate following 750 elective elbow arthroscopies

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.3415/vcot-13-01-0017 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (01) ◽

pp. 68-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

L. Li ◽

K. L. Perry

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Articular Surface ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Small Animal ◽

Major Complication ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Repeat Surgery ◽

Elbow Arthroscopy ◽

Surface Examination

SummaryArthroscopy is the gold standard for articular surface examination and is commonly advocated for diagnosing and treating cases of canine elbow dysplasia. Arthroscopy is generally regarded as a low-risk procedure, however there is a paucity of information in the small animal veterinary literature regarding the associated complication rates. In a retrospective study spanning a ten year period, 750 elective elbow arthroscopies were evaluated. Complications necessitating repeat surgery were defined as major, and were documented in 4.8% of dogs. Minor perioperative complications occurred in 17.1% dogs. The failure of arthroscopic treatment necessitating unplanned conversion to arthrotomy was the most frequently encountered complication in this category, having been reported in five percent of dogs. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 10.7% dogs; these included a worsened postoperative lameness (5.5%), severe pain (2.8%), severe swelling (2%), infection (0.2%), and neurapraxia (0.2%). A total of 204 dogs returned for a postoperative re-examination and in seven percent, lameness was more severe than that noted preoperatively. The results of the study show that the major complication rate associated with elective elbow arthroscopy is low, but that the minor peri- and postoperative complication rate is concerning. These findings will assist veterinarians in their preoperative discussions with owners to ensure the achievement of informed consent.

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Complications following surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis over a 13-year period

The Bone & Joint Journal ◽

10.1302/0301-620x.102b4.bjj-2019-1371.r1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 102-B (4) ◽

pp. 519-523

Author(s):

Kenny Y. H. Kwan ◽

Hui Y. Koh ◽

Kathleen M. Blanke ◽

Kenneth M. C. Cheung

Keyword(s):

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

Neurological Deficit ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Research Society ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Scoliosis Research Society ◽

Age At Surgery

Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and analyze the trends of surgeon-reported complications following surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) over a 13-year period from the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Morbidity and Mortality database. Methods All patients with AIS between ten and 18 years of age, entered into the SRS Morbidity and Mortality database between 2004 and 2016, were analyzed. All perioperative complications were evaluated for correlations with associated factors. Complication trends were analyzed by comparing the cohorts between 2004 to 2007 and 2013 to 2016. Results Between 2004 and 2016, a total of 84,320 patients were entered into the database. There were 1,268 patients associated with complications, giving an overall complication rate of 1.5%. Death occurred in 12 patients (0.014%). The three most commonly reported complications were surgical site infection (SSI) (441 patients; 0.52%), new neurological deficit (293; 0.35%), and implant-related complications (172; 0.20%). There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between the occurrence of a SSI and the magnitude of the primary curve ( r = 0.227; p < 0.001), and blood loss in surgery ( r = 0.111; p = 0.038), while the occurrence of a new neurological deficit was correlated statistically significantly but weakly with age at surgery ( r = 0.147; p = 0.004) and magnitude of the primary curve ( r = 0.258; p < 0.001). The overall complication rate decreased from 4.95% during 2004 to 2007 to 0.98% during 2013 to 2016 (p = 0.023). Conclusion An overall complication rate of 1.5% was found in our series after surgery for AIS, with a reduction of complication rates found in the second period of the analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):519–523.

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The impact of surgeon experience on perioperative complications and operative measures following thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomy for adult spinal deformity: overcoming the learning curve

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2019.7.spine19656 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 207-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Darryl Lau ◽

Vedat Deviren ◽

Christopher P. Ames

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Operative Time ◽

Surgical Complication ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Years Of Experience ◽

Surgeon Experience ◽

Operative Measures

OBJECTIVEPosterior-based thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomy (3CO) is a formidable surgical procedure. Surgeon experience and case volume are known factors that influence surgical complication rates, but these factors have not been studied well in cases of adult spinal deformity (ASD). This study examines how surgeon experience affects perioperative complications and operative measures following thoracolumbar 3CO in ASD.METHODSA retrospective study was performed of a consecutive cohort of thoracolumbar ASD patients who underwent 3CO performed by the senior authors from 2006 to 2018. Multivariate analysis was used to assess whether experience (years of experience and/or number of procedures) is associated with perioperative complications, operative duration, and blood loss.RESULTSA total of 362 patients underwent 66 vertebral column resections (VCRs) and 296 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs). The overall complication rate was 29.4%, and the surgical complication rate was 8.0%. The rate of postoperative neurological deficits was 6.2%. There was a trend toward lower overall complication rates with greater operative years of experience (from 44.4% to 28.0%) (p = 0.115). Years of operative experience was associated with a significantly lower rate of neurological deficits (p = 0.027); the incidence dropped from 22.2% to 4.0%. The mean operative time was 310.7 minutes overall. Both increased years of experience and higher case numbers were significantly associated with shorter operative times (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Only operative years of experience was independently associated with operative times (p < 0.001): 358.3 minutes from 2006 to 2008 to 275.5 minutes in 2018 (82.8 minutes shorter). Over time, there was less deviation and more consistency in operative times, despite the implementation of various interventions to promote fusion and prevent construct failure: utilization of multiple-rod constructs (standard, satellite, and nested rods), bone morphogenetic protein, vertebroplasty, and ligament augmentation. Of note, the use of tranexamic acid did not significantly lower blood loss.CONCLUSIONSSurgeon years of experience, rather than number of 3COs performed, was a significant factor in mitigating neurological complications and improving quality measures following thoracolumbar 3CO for ASD. The 3- to 5-year experience mark was when the senior surgeon overcame a learning curve and was able to minimize neurological complication rates. There was a continuous decrease in operative time as the surgeon’s experience increased; this was in concurrence with the implementation of additional preventative surgical interventions. Ongoing practice changes should be implemented and can be done safely, but it is imperative to self-assess the risks and benefits of those practice changes.

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Complication Rate after Radical Cystectomy Depends on the Surgical Technique and Patient’s Clinical Status

Urologia Internationalis ◽

10.1159/000517787 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Przemysław Adamczyk ◽

Paweł Pobłocki ◽

Mateusz Kadlubowski ◽

Adam Ostrowski ◽

Witold Mikołajczak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Radical Cystectomy ◽

Urinary Diversion ◽

Complication Rate ◽

Tnm Stage ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Open Approach ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Asa Score

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the complication rates of radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and identify potential risk factors. Methods: A total of 553 patients were included: 131 were operated on via an open approach (ORC), 242 patients via a laparoscopic method (LRC), and 180 by a robot-assisted procedure (RARC). Patient age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, urinary diversion type, preoperative albumin level, body mass index (BMI), pathological (TNM) stage, and surgical times were collected. The severity of complications was classified according to the Clavien-Dindo scale (Grades 1–5). Results: The surgical technique was significantly related to the number of complications (p < 0.00005). Grade 1 complications were observed most frequently following LRC (52.5%) and RARC (51.1%), whereas mostly Grade 2 complications were detected after ORC (78.6%). Those with less severe complications had significantly higher albumin levels than those with more severe complications (p < 0.05). Patients with an elevated BMI had fewer complications if a minimally invasive approach was used rather than ORC. The patient’s general condition (ASA score) did not impact the number of complications, and urinary diversion type did not affect the severity of the complications. Mean surgical time differed according to the urinary diversion type in patients with a similar TNM stage (p < 0.005); however, no difference was found in those with more locally advanced disease. Longer operation time and lower protein concentration were associated with higher probability of complication rate, that is, Clavien-Dindo score 3–5. Conclusions: The risk of complications after RC is not related to the type of urinary diversion, and can be reduced by using a minimally invasive surgical technique, especially in patients with high BMI.

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Improving Safety of Bilateral Knee Arthroplasty: Impact of Selection Criteria on Perioperative Outcome

HSS Journal ® ◽

10.1177/15563316211014891 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155633162110148

Author(s):

Philipp Gerner ◽

Stavros G. Memtsoudis ◽

Crispiana Cozowicz ◽

Ottokar Stundner ◽

Mark Figgie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Selection Criteria ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Perioperative Outcomes ◽

Cardiac Complications ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Major Complications ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Comorbidity Burden ◽

Rate Ratios

Background: Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) procedures are associated with an increased risk of complications when compared with unilateral approaches. In 2006, in an attempt to reduce this risk, our institution implemented selection criteria that specified younger and healthier patients as candidates for BTKA. Questions/Purpose: We sought to investigate the effect of these selection criteria on perioperative outcomes. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we used institutional data to identify patients who underwent BTKA between 1998 and 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent surgery before the 2006 introduction of our selection criteria (1998–2006) and those who underwent surgery after (2007–2014). Groups were compared in terms of demographics, comorbidity burden, and incidence of perioperative complications. Regression analysis was performed, calculating incidence rate ratios to evaluate changes in complication rates. Results: Before the selection criteria were implemented in 2006, patients who underwent BTKA were older and had a higher comorbidity burden. The rate of major complications per 1000 hospital days decreased from 31.5 in 1998 to 7.9 in 2014. A reduction in cardiac complications was the most significant contributor to this decrease in major complications. Conclusion: After stringent criteria for BTKA candidates were implemented at our institution, selection of younger patients with lower comorbidity burden was accompanied by a reduction in the incidence of operative complications. This suggests that introducing such criteria can be associated with a reduction in adverse perioperative outcomes.

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