Factors predictive of increased surgical drain output after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

ABSTRACT:

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To identify factors that are independently associated with increased surgical drain output in patients who have undergone ACDF.

Summary of background data

Surgical drains are typically placed after ACDF to reduce the risk of complications associated with neck hematoma. The orthopedic literature has repeatedly challenged the use of surgical drains after many procedures, and there are currently no guidelines for determining which patients are most likely to benefit from drain placement after ACDF.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent elective ACDF with surgical drain placement at a single academic institution between January 2011 and February 2013 were identified using billing records. Patient information w

SUBMITTER: Basques BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3991728 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature