We have located links that may give you full text access.
Lumbar spine fusion in obese and morbidly obese patients.
Spine 2009 March 2
STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the surgical experience, clinical outcomes, and effect on body weight between obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery are a challenge to the operating surgeon. Only few reports are available on the perioperative data in this group of patients. Further, it is unknown if the degree of obesity has an effect on the surgical experience and clinical outcomes including body weight.
METHODS: A retrospective study of 63 patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion was carried out. The main inclusion criteria were a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30. Information recorded included surgical set-up time, surgical time, blood loss, American Association of Anesthesiologists score, and surgical complications. At follow-up, the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale for back and leg pain were recorded along with a pain diagram and radiographic evaluation.
RESULTS: The obese group had lower American Association of Anesthesiologists scores. The surgical time was dependent on the number of levels fused and was independent of the BMI. Blood loss during surgery was marginally greater in the obese patients. Neither group showed significant change in weight and BMI. Clinical outcomes showed improvement in visual analog scale for back and leg pain with some improvement in Oswestry scores and were independent of the BMI of the patient. The incidence of postoperative complications was significant in 45% of morbidly obese and 44% of obese patients.
CONCLUSION: Obese and morbidly obese patients have multiple comorbidities, and the spinal surgeon should be prepared to encounter perioperative complexities. Operative times are longer in comparison with normal weight patients with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. No weight loss occurs after spinal surgery.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the surgical experience, clinical outcomes, and effect on body weight between obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery are a challenge to the operating surgeon. Only few reports are available on the perioperative data in this group of patients. Further, it is unknown if the degree of obesity has an effect on the surgical experience and clinical outcomes including body weight.
METHODS: A retrospective study of 63 patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion was carried out. The main inclusion criteria were a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30. Information recorded included surgical set-up time, surgical time, blood loss, American Association of Anesthesiologists score, and surgical complications. At follow-up, the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale for back and leg pain were recorded along with a pain diagram and radiographic evaluation.
RESULTS: The obese group had lower American Association of Anesthesiologists scores. The surgical time was dependent on the number of levels fused and was independent of the BMI. Blood loss during surgery was marginally greater in the obese patients. Neither group showed significant change in weight and BMI. Clinical outcomes showed improvement in visual analog scale for back and leg pain with some improvement in Oswestry scores and were independent of the BMI of the patient. The incidence of postoperative complications was significant in 45% of morbidly obese and 44% of obese patients.
CONCLUSION: Obese and morbidly obese patients have multiple comorbidities, and the spinal surgeon should be prepared to encounter perioperative complexities. Operative times are longer in comparison with normal weight patients with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. No weight loss occurs after spinal surgery.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices 
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app