A study published in Spine examines the impact of insulin dependence on patients who undergo spinal fusion procedures.
The study authors collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients 18 years or older who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from 2005 to 2012. There were 3,726 patients included in the study period and 270 reported noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; another 171 patients were insulin-dependent.
Here are five key notes:
1. The readmission data shows:
• Nondiabetes mellitus: 1,432
• Noninsuin-dependent diabetes mellitus: 193
• Insulin-dependent: 87
2. The noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients were associated with higher rates of urinary tract infections and were more likely to return to the operating room than patients without diabetes.
3. The patients dependent on insulin were associated with higher reoperation and readmission rates; they were also more likely to stay in the hospital more than five days after surgery.
4. The insulin dependent status was an independent predictor for 30-day readmissions.
5. The study authors concluded, "Diabetic patients should be counseled appropriately and the importance of perioperative care is highlighted in this study."