Neurosurgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Postoperative fever discharge guidelines increase hospital charges associated with spine surgery.
Postoperative fever is a common sequel of spine surgery. In the presence of rigid nationally mandated clinical guidelines, fever management may consume more health care resources than is reasonably appropriate. ⋯ Postoperative fever in spine surgery patients is associated with a delay in patient discharge and increases in hospital charges. Postoperative fever discharge guidelines should be regularly and publicly subjected to appropriate cost-benefit analysis.
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Review Case Reports
Disseminated intravascular coagulation during resection of a meningioma: case report.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a relatively common complication in patients with trauma, sepsis, obstetric calamities, and certain malignancies. We report a rare case of DIC after embolization and surgery for a large meningioma. We also review the literature on coagulopathy during brain tumor surgery as well as the diagnosis and treatment of this complication. ⋯ This case report adds to the few reported cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation as a complication of brain tumor surgery. This patient's successful outcome may be attributed to timely recognition of the condition and effective, prompt treatment.
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Comparative Study
Minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion in patients older than 70 years of age: analysis of peri- and postoperative complications.
The number of spine operations performed in the elderly population is rising. ⋯ Minimally invasive interbody fusions can be performed in the elderly (ages 70 years and older) with an overall low rate of major complications. Graft subsidence in this population when not supplemented with posterior instrumentation is a concern. Age should not be a deterrent to performing complex minimally invasive interbody fusions in the elderly.