Retrospective Cohort Analysis on the Use of Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder in Back Reconstruction Following Spinal...

Area of Science:

• Spinal surgery
• Surgical reconstruction
• Wound healing

Background:

• Spinal interbody fusions are common, often requiring complex reconstruction.
• Minimizing seroma formation is crucial for optimal postoperative recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP) on postoperative seroma formation in spinal fusion patients undergoing flap reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 76 patients undergoing spinal fusion with flap reconstruction over 20 months.
• Comparison of outcomes between patients treated with HCP and those not treated with HCP.
• Analysis of seroma rates, drain removal time, spinal levels, wound dehiscence, hematoma, and infection.

Main Results:

• Patients treated with HCP had significantly higher rates of postoperative seromas (27.7%) compared to controls (6.9%; P = .03).
• No significant differences were observed in drain removal time or number of spinal levels involved.
• Rates of wound dehiscence, hematoma, and infection did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

• Hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP) use was associated with a 4-fold increase in postoperative seromas.
• This effect was consistent across demographic and procedural factors, except for age.
• Findings suggest HCP may not be beneficial and could be detrimental for seroma prevention in this patient population.