Postoperative complications of spine surgery

• Published in: Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 103 - 120
• Main Authors: Swann, Matthew C., Hoes, Kathryn S., Aoun, Salah G., McDonagh, David L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Anesthesia & Perioperative Care; complications; Humans; neuroanesthesia; neurosurgery; orthopedic surgery; postoperative complications; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting - epidemiology; Spinal Diseases - surgery; Spine - surgery; Surgical Procedures, Operative - adverse effects; Surgical Procedures, Operative - methods; Time Factors; spine surgery; postoperative complications; neuroanesthesia; complications; neurosurgery; orthopedic surgery
• ISSN: 1521-6896; 1532-169X; 1878-1608
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2016.01.002

A variety of surgical approaches are available for the treatment of spine diseases. Complications can arise intraoperatively, in the immediate postoperative period, or in a delayed fashion. These complications may lead to severe or even permanent morbidity if left unrecognized and untreated [1–4]. Here we review a range of complications in the early postoperative period from more benign complications such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) to more feared complications leading to permanent loss of neurological function or death [5]. Perioperative pain management is covered in a separate review (Chapter 8).