Preferences of Spine Surgeons With Regard to Management of Intraoperative Durotomy: A Survey of Current Management

The objective of this study was to determine spine surgeons’ preferences for the intraoperative and postoperative management of intraoperative durotomy (IDT) in decompression and spinal fusion surgeries. Summary of Background Data: Management guidelines for IDT remain elusive. Traditionally, management consists of intraoperative suturing and postoperative bed rest. However, preferences of North American spine surgeons may vary, particularly according to type of surgery. Materials and Methods: Spine surgeons of AO Spine North America (AOSNA) were surveyed online anonymously to determine which techniques they preferred to manage IDT in decompression and fusion. Differences in preferences according to surgery type were compared using the Fisher exact test. A series of linear regressions were conducted to identify demographic predictors of spine surgeons’ preferences. Results: Of 217 respondents, most were male (95%), orthopedic surgeons (70%), practiced at an academic center (50%), were in practice 0–19 years (71%) and operated on 100–300 patients per year (70%). The majority of surgeons applied sutures (93%–96%) and sealant (82%–84%). Surgeons also used grafts (26%–27%), drains (18%), other techniques (4%–5%), blood patch (2%–3%), or no intraoperative management (1%–2%). Postoperatively, most surgeons recommended bed rest (74%–75%). Antibiotics (22%), immediate mobilization (18%–20%), reoperation (14%–16%), other techniques (6%), or no postope...
Source: Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques - Category: Surgery Tags: Primary Research Source Type: research