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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
01:24
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Chronic Corticosteroid Use Is Associated with Increased Postoperative Complications Following Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Levi M Travis1, Solomon G Jackson1, Aneesh V Samineni1
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Spine Surgery and Related Research
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Chronic corticosteroid use significantly increases risks of sepsis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and readmission after lumbar microdiscectomy (MLD). Patients on steroids require enhanced perioperative surveillance and risk mitigation strategies for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lumbar microdiscectomy (MLD) is a common procedure for lumbar disc herniation.
- Short-term complications are a concern, especially in at-risk patients.
- The impact of chronic corticosteroid use on MLD complications is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between chronic corticosteroid use and 30-day complications following elective lumbar MLD.
- To identify specific risks associated with steroid use in MLD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using the NSQIP database (2016-2023).
- Included adult patients undergoing MLD, excluding fusion or systemic illnesses.
- Propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze outcomes.
Main Results:
- Chronic steroid users (3.8%) had higher odds of 30-day readmission (OR=1.41), pneumonia (OR=2.21), deep vein thrombosis (OR=2.04), and sepsis (OR=3.18).
- Operative time, transfusion rates, and length of stay were similar between groups.
- No significant differences in patient disposition were observed.
Conclusions:
- Chronic corticosteroid use is an independent risk factor for increased postoperative sepsis, DVT, pneumonia, and readmission after MLD.
- Perioperative risk stratification and proactive mitigation strategies are crucial for steroid-using patients.
- Further prospective studies are needed to optimize outcomes in this population.
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