Retropharyngeal Hematoma Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Identifying Risk to Prevent a Life-Threatening Complication.

ABSTRACT: Study DesignRetrospective cohort.ObjectivesTo assess the incidence, time to presentation, and independent risk factors for retropharyngeal hematoma causing airway obstruction following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsThe PearlDiver national database was queried for patients who underwent one- to four-level ACDF. Patients who underwent concomitant posterior fusion or had surgical indications related to malignancy, trauma, or infection were excluded. Patients were stratified based on the development of a retropharyngeal hematoma causing airway obstruction within 7 days. Descriptive statistics assessed differences in patient demographics and comorbidities. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses identified independent predictors.ResultsAmong 430,542 patients, 1

SUBMITTER: Avetisian H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12084215 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature