Clinical commentaryDescriptive analysis of unplanned readmission and reoperation rates after intradural spinal tumor resection

- The 30-day post-operative readmission rate for this entity has not been described yet.
- The major cause of reoperation is wound closure failures.
- Data that helps decrease readmission rate, a public health issue in the U.S.

IntroductionSpinal cord tumors (SCT) are relatively uncommon and usually require surgical treatment. Readmission within 30 days after discharge is an important indicator of health care quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the rates and causes of unplanned readmissions and reoperations after SCT surgery.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients' charts at a single center from May 2007 to September 2015 was completed. Inclusion criteria: history of laminectomy with excision of neoplasm in the spinal cord. Exclusion criteria: (1) surgery outside the timeframe; (2) less than 19 years old; (3) non-neoplastic intramural pathologies; (4) previous resection at the same location; (5) metastatic lesions.ResultsWe found 131 patients that met criteria. Six patients (4.5%) were readmitted within 30 days and two within 90 days (1.5%). Four underwent reoperation: one for a cerebrospinal fluid leak, two for pseudomenigoceles, and one for repeat laminectomy. Resection of intramedullary tumors resulted in twice the risk of having one or more complications compared to extramedullary tumors (RR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.0-4.2; p = 0.057), and nearly four times the risk of having a neurological complication (RR 3.8; 95% CI 1.5-9.5; p = 0.005).ConclusionThis study analyzes readmission, reoperation and complication rates for the surgical care of SCT highlighting how SCT surgery is still involved with morbidity in experienced and specialized centers. This information is useful both for health care enhancement projects and for evidence-based patient counseling.