Predictors of hospitalization for longer than one day following elective single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a retrospective case-control database study

A retrospective case-control study.

To understand the risk factors for prolonged hospitalization following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to reduce postoperative complications and better identify optimal candidates for elective ACDF.

Despite the proven safety of ACDF, many patients may experience prolonged postoperative hospitalization.

Data were collected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset spanning 2017-2019. The primary outcome of interest was the length of stay (LOS). The study population was divided into two cohorts: those with LOS ≤1 day and those with LOS >1 day. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of LOS >1 day. Propensity score matching and group comparisons were used to evaluate pre- and post-discharge complication rates between the cohorts.

A total of 12,906 patients with ACDF were identified in the database and considered eligible for the study. Of these patients, 69.5% had LOS ≤1 day and 30.5% had LOS >1 day. Factors associated with LOS >1 day included age ≥65 years, female sex, non-White race, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 3, dependent functional status, and operation length of 120-150 minutes and >150 minutes. Patients with LOS >1 day were more likely to undergo intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions (0.1% vs. 0.7%, p<0.001), unplanned reoperations (0% vs. 1.7%, p<0.001), and develop pneumonia during hospitalization (0% vs. 0.7%, p<0.001). These patients were also more likely to be readmitted (2.7% vs. 4.3%, p<0.001).

Older patients, those with poorer functional status, and those who undergo longer operative times are more likely to experience prolonged postoperative hospitalization. These patients are also at increased risk of complications such as pneumonia, blood transfusions, reoperation, and readmission. Careful patient selection for ACDF is essential to reduce the risk of prolonged hospitalization and associated complications.