Discharging patients to inpatient care after lumbar fusion surgery is associated with a greater risk of certain major complications, according to a study in The Spine Journal.
Here are three things to know:
1. The researchers conducted a retrospective review of all 1-to 3-level primary posterior lumbar fusion cases in the 2010-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry.
2. Discharge to an inpatient facility was associated with a greater risk of thromboembolic complications, urinary complications and unplanned readmissions.
3. To optimize outcomes and savings, the study authors suggest, providers should carefully consider which patients might be better served by discharge to home.
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