[Therapeutic complications of posterior vertebral column resection for spinal tumors].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the complications of posterior vertebral column resection in the treatment of spinal tumors. METHODS: The complications of 31 patients were recorded and categorized into primary and secondary complications. Many factors such as segment, bleeding volume and surgical duration were reviewed. The SPSS 12.0 software was used to analyze the relations between the complications and these factors retrospectively. RESULTS: Two primary and 30 secondary complications were identified. A definite relation existed between the delayed removal of endotracheal intubation and bleeding volume. And a definite relation existed also between transient thrombocytopenia and operative duration. There was no relation between prosthetic subsidence and various factors (including follow-up period). CONCLUSION: Most complications are secondary and have basically no effect on the recovery of patients. And prevention are feasible in most cases. So a thorough plan should be devised to prevent the occurrences of potential complications, especially primary ones. For any occurrence, active treatment should be offered to improve the surgical safety.