A new study published in Spine examines how gender affects the 30-day complication rate for adult spinal deformity surgery.
The researchers examined the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for data on adult spinal deformity surgery patients. The researchers found:
1. Female patients were more likely to have more complications than male patients during or after RBC transfusion. They were also more likely to have urinary tract infections.
2. The female patients were more likely to stay at the hospital for more than five days after surgery.
3. Male patients had a higher pulmonary and cardiac complication rate. But, the male sex wasn't a significant independent risk factor.
4. The researchers concluded, "sex and other patient characteristics highlighted must be considered as part of surgical risk planning and patient consulting."