ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING LUMBAR SPINE FUSION: THE IMPACT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Özet

Objective: Spinal surgery is becoming increasingly popular, but its complications cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitusis prevalent in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery, yet the literature is divided on whether they are prone to a higher complication rateand worse outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the complication rates in patients undergoing elective lumbar fusion surgery and itsrelationship to diabetes mellitus and other potential risk factors.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing instrumented lumbar fusion surgery in the past two years wasperformed. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and diabetic patients were compared with non-diabetic controls. Statistical analysiswas performed to test for the significance of any difference, and multiple regression analysis was then done to assess the strength of thissignificance.Results: Eighty patients were included in the study, 24 (30%) of whom were diabetic. Diabetic patients were older, had more comorbidities, shorterfusions, less blood loss, more complications but similar pain control and length of stay compared to non-diabetic patients. Diabetes was foundas an independent significant predictor of adverse events, yet the other factors were not found.Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of infection and other complications following instrumented lumbar fusion.Although maintaining good glycemic control is paramount, the higher risk necessitates close postoperative observation and extra care in thelong term.