Complication Risk in Ventral Skull Base Surgery Based on Preoperative Hematocrit

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Preoperative anemia is a known risk factor for surgical complications.
• Its specific impact on ventral skull base (VSB) surgery outcomes has not been extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative hematocrit levels and postoperative complications in patients undergoing VSB surgery.
• To identify specific risks linked to anemia in this surgical population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2015).
• Analysis of 3,053 patients undergoing VSB procedures.
• Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to assess the impact of low hematocrit.

Main Results:

• Low preoperative hematocrit was observed in 39.7% of patients.
• Anemia correlated with increased age, male gender, and Black race.
• Significant associations found between low hematocrit and increased risk of perioperative transfusions, total surgical complications, and extended length of hospital stay (LOS).

Conclusions:

• Low preoperative hematocrit is a significant predictor of adverse outcomes in VSB surgery.
• Anemia management preoperatively is essential to mitigate risks such as complications and prolonged LOS.
• Highlights the need for careful preoperative assessment and anemia correction in VSB patients.