[Deep leg vein thrombosis after microsurgical intervertebral disk operation]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are potential complications after surgery.
• Microsurgery for lumbar disc disease and osteogenic root compression carries specific risks.
• Understanding DVT incidence is crucial for patient safety and treatment protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the legs in patients undergoing microsurgery for lumbar disc disease or osteogenic root compression.
• To evaluate the impact of pharmacological prophylaxis on DVT and PE occurrence.
• To identify risk factors for superficial phlebitis post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective sequential trial design.
• Inclusion of 304 patients undergoing microsurgical procedures for lumbar spine conditions.
• Monitoring for signs and symptoms of DVT and PE, with and without pharmacological prophylaxis.
• Observation of superficial phlebitis incidence and correlation with patient history.

Main Results:

• No patients developed symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Pharmacological prophylaxis did not alter the incidence of DVT or PE.
• Superficial phlebitis was predominantly observed in patients with pre-existing varicosis, typically appearing in the third week post-operation.

Conclusions:

• Microsurgery for lumbar disc disease or osteogenic root compression appears to have a very low risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• The routine use of pharmacological prophylaxis may not be necessary for preventing DVT/PE in this specific surgical population.
• Pre-existing varicosis is a significant risk factor for developing superficial phlebitis after these procedures.