Differential diagnosis of pigmented nail lesions.

The diagnosis of pigmented nail lesions is a concern for both general practitioners and dermatologists, due to the possibility of indicating nail melanoma. The origin of the dark pigmentation can be either melanocytic or non-melanocytic (fungi, bacteria, or blood), and clinical evaluation alone may not be sufficient for differentiation, requiring additional exams. Onychoscopy provides valuable information prior to biopsy. The causes of nail pigmentation will be described to aid in the differential diagnosis.

Impact of Drain Placement on Postoperative Complications after Thyroidectomy for Substernal Goiter.

Introduction Despite the evidence against drain placement after thyroidectomy, there is a lack of consensus on drain use in patients with substernal goiter. Objective To assess the factors that increase the likelihood of drain placement and its impact on postoperative hematoma and other 30-day complications among adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy for substernal goiter. Methods A retrospective cohort study that used data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent elective thyroidectomy for substernal goiter from 2016 to 2020 were included. Cases with closed suction neck drains placed upon completion of surgery were included in the drain group, and the remaining cases formed the nondrain group. Results A total of 1,229 patients were included (46.5% with drain placement). The factors that increased the likelihood of drain placement included body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , score between 3 and 5 on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, sternal split/transthoracic surgical approach, operative time ≥ 90 minutes, and surgery conducted by otolaryngologists. Patients with clean-contaminated or contaminated wound classifications were less likely to be submitted to drain placement. In addition, drain use had no impact on postoperative hematoma formation but was found to independently increase the risk of prolonged length of hospital stay. Conclusion Thyroidectomy without drain placement might be safe for substernal goiter. However, this decision should be individualized for each patient. Level Of Evidence: 3.

Backup Frontal Drainage System for Urgent Tension Pneumocephalus Management After Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple variation of burr hole craniostomy for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) that uses a frontal drainage system to facilitate timely decompression in the event of tension pneumocephalus and spares the need for additional surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniostomy and 20 patients who underwent the same procedure alongside the placement of a 5 Fr neonatal feeding tube as a backup drainage for the anterior craniostomy. Depending on the situation, the secondary drain stayed for a maximum of 72 hours to be opened and used in emergency settings for drainage, aspiration, or as a 1-way valve with a water seal. RESULTS: The outcomes of 20 patients who underwent this procedure and 20 controls are described. One patient from each group presented tension pneumocephalus. One was promptly resolved by opening the backup drain under a water seal to evacuate pneumocephalus and the other patient had to undergo a reopening of the craniostomy. CONCLUSIONS: The described variation of burr hole craniostomy represents a low-cost and easy-to-implement technique that can be used for emergency decompression of tension pneumocephalus. It also has the potential to reduce reoperation rates and CSDH recurrence. Prospective controlled research is needed to validate this approach further.

Características Clínicas y Terapéuticas de los Pacientes que Ingresan por Trauma Craneoencefálico en el Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. 2022 - 2023

Introducción: El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) se define como una patología caracterizada por la alteración cerebral secundaria a una lesión traumática en la región de la cabeza, con la presencia de alteración de la consciencia y/o amnesia debido al trauma, cambios neurológicos, neurofisiológicos, con posibles fracturas de cráneo o lesiones intra craneanas atribuibles al trauma. Metodología: Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo en pacientes que sufrieron TCE internados en el servicio de neurocirugía en el Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid durante el periodo de marzo de 2022 a febrero de 2023. Resultados: Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que predomina el sexo masculino (78%) sobre el femenino (22%) en pacientes con TCE. Las causas de lesión más comunes fueron caídas de sus pies (27%), caídas de altura (25%) y colisión de moto/automóvil (20%). Las presentaciones clínicas más comunes fueron pérdida de consciencia (49%), amnesia/desorientación (19%) y cefalea (10%). Conclusión: El seguimiento promedio de los pacientes con TCE fue de 16 días. El género masculino fue el más frecuente, con mayor proporción en la edad media y adulta mayor. La etiología principalmente fue por caídas, manifestándose comúnmente por perdida del estado de alerta, y teniendo hallazgos múltiples en la tomografía cerebral. La mayoría de los pacientes se les dio manejo conservador. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma (TBI) is defined as a pathology characterized by cerebral alteration secondary to traumatic injury in the head region, with the presence of altered consciousness and/or amnesia due to trauma, neurological, neurophysiological changes, with possible skull fractures or intracranial lesions attributable to trauma. Methodology: This is an observational, descriptive, prospective study in patients who suffered TBI hospitalized in the neurosurgery service at the Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid during the period from March 2022 to February 2023. Results: The results of this study showed a predominance of male (78%) over female (22%) patients with TBI. The most common causes of injury were falls from their feet (27%), falls from height (25%) and motorcycle/automobile collision (20%). The most common clinical presentations were loss of consciousness (49%), amnesia/disorientation (19%) and headache (10%). Conclusion: The average follow-up of patients with TBI was 16 days. The male gender was the most frequent, with a higher proportion in middle age and older adults. The etiology was mainly due to falls, commonly manifested by loss of alertness, and multiple findings in brain tomography. Most patients were managed conservatively. (provided by Infomedic International)

Hematoma espontáneo en contexto de absceso periamigdalino, embolización y luego amigdalectomía. A propósito de un caso / Spontaneous hematoma in the context of a peritonsillar abscess, embolization and subsequent tonsillectomy. About a case

La hematoma amigdalino espontáneo, es un cuadro clínico raro con baja incidencia a nivel mundial, resultado de un proceso inflamatorio local secundario a la amigdalitis, donde el factor de riesgo más significativo es la amigdalitis a repetición. Desde el punto de vista clínico, su distinción del absceso periamigdalino, puede ser un desafío, lo cual es crucial debido a diferencias en el tratamiento y el pronóstico entre ambas. Al ser un cuadro de baja prevalencia es importante tener un alto nivel de sospecha diagnóstica para abordar adecuadamente esta entidad clínica y prevenir consecuencias potencialmente mortales.

Spontaneous tonsillar hematoma is a rare clinical condition with low incidence worldwide, resulting from a local inflammatory process secondary to tonsillitis, where the most significant risk factor is recurrent tonsillitis. From a clinical standpoint, its distinction from a peritonsillar abscess can be challenging, which is crucial due to differences in treatment and prognosis between the two. Given its low prevalence, maintaining a high level of diagnostic suspicion is important to address this clinical entity and prevent potentially life-threatening consequences appropriately.

Hepatectomía derecha de urgencia por necrosis hepática infectada secundaria a colangiografía endoscópica / Urgent right hepatectomy for infected hepatic necrosis secondary to endoscopic cholangiography

RESUMEN El hematoma subcapsular hepático es una complicación infrecuente pero potencialmente grave de la colangiografía retrógrada endoscópica. Por otra parte, las complicaciones derivadas del hematoma pueden ser su rotura, con el consiguiente sangrado masivo, y/o la trombosis portal por compresión que evolucione hacia la necrosis, la cual es susceptible de infecciones generalmente graves que requieren un manejo más enérgico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente a quien se le realizó una colangiografía endoscópica retrógrada por una colangitis aguda, y presentó en la evolución un hematoma subcapsular, que progresó a la necrosis hepática por compresión del pedículo portal, y una infección de esa necrosis, por lo que requirió una hepatectomía derecha de urgencia.

ABSTRACT Hepatic subcapsular hematoma is a rare but potentially lethal complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. On the other hand, complications derived from the hematoma can be its rupture with the consequent massive bleeding, and/or portal thrombosis due to compression that evolves towards necrosis, which is susceptible to generally serious infections that require more aggressive management. We present the case of a patient treated in our department who underwent retrograde endoscopic cholangiography as treatment for her acute cholangitis, presenting in the evolution a subcapsular hematoma that progressed to hepatic necrosis due to compression of the portal pedicle and later an infection of that necrosis. requiring an emergency right hepatectomy as surgical treatment.

Ruptura de hematoma hepático secundario a terapia neural / Rupture of hepatic hematoma secondary to neural therapy

Objetivo: determinar si la terapia neural es una opción de tratamiento que pueda ser utilizada sin la aparición de efectos adversos. Presentación del caso: se presenta y analiza el caso de una paciente que ingresó a urgencias por dolor abdominal generalizado diagnosticándose hematoma hepático y realizándosele una revisión de la literatura científica. Resultados: se procedió a efectuar laparotomía con cirugía de control de daños, obteniendo resultados satisfactorios con egreso hospitalario sin complicaciones agregadas. Conclusiones: la terapia neural es un tratamiento del cual no se tiene suficiente evidencia científica que avale su seguridad en los pacientes

Objective: to determine whether neural therapy is a treatment option which can be used without the occurrence of adverse effects. Case report: we present and analyze the case of a female patient who was admitted to the emergency room for generalized abdominal pain. A hepatic hematoma was diagnosed, and a review of the scientific literature was conducted. Results: a laparotomy with damage control surgery was performed, obtaining satisfactory outcomes, with hospital discharge without any added complications. Conclusions: neural therapy is a treatment for which there is not enough scientific evidence to support its safety in patients

Factors of mortality in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device: 5-year experience

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices has increased in recent years. It has also brought some issues. Among these, the complications of cardiac implantable electronic devices infection and pocket hematoma are difficult to manage. It can be fatal with the contribution of patient-related risk factors. In this study, we aimed to find mortality rates in patients who developed cardiac implantable electronic devices infection and pocket hematoma over 5 years. We also investigated the risk factors affecting mortality in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. METHODS: A total of 288 cardiac implantable electronic devices patients were evaluated. Demographic details, history, and clinical data of all patients were recorded. Cardiac implantable electronic devices infection was defined according to the modified Duke criteria. The national registry was used to ascertain the mortality status of the patients. The patients were divided into two groups (exitus and survival groups). In addition, the pocket hematoma was defined as significant bleeding at the pocket site after cardiac implantable electronic devices placement. RESULTS: The cardiac implantable electronic devices infection was similar in both groups (p=0.919), and the pocket hematoma was higher in the exitus group (p=0.019). The exitus group had higher usage of P2Y12 inhibitors (p≤0.001) and novel oral anticoagulants (p=0.031). The Cox regression analysis, including mortality-related factors, revealed that renal failure is the most significant risk factor for mortality. Renal failure was linked to a 2.78-fold higher risk of death. CONCLUSION: No correlation was observed between cardiac implantable electronic devices infection and mortality, whereas pocket hematoma was associated with mortality. Furthermore, renal failure was the cause of the highest mortality rate in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Effect of subchorionic hematoma on first-trimester maternal serum free β-hCG and PAPP-A levels

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of the presence of subchorionic hematoma (SH) in early pregnancies with threatened miscarriage (TM) on levels of first-trimester maternal serum markers, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels. Methods The data of TM cases with SH in the first trimester between 2015 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The data of age and gestational age-matched TM cases without SH were also assessed to constitute a control group. Demographic characteristics, obstetric histories, ultrasonographic findings, and free β-hCG and PAPP-A levels of the groups were compared. Results There were 119 cases in the study group and 153 cases in the control group. The median vertical and longitudinal lengths of the SH were 31 mm and 16 mm. The median age of both groups was similar (p=0.422). The MoM value of PAPP-A was 0.088 (.93) in the study group and 0.9 (0.63) in the control group (p=0.519). Similarly, the MoM value of free β-hCG was 1.04 (0.78) in the study group and 0.99 (0.86) in the control group (p=0.66). No significant relationship was found in the multivariate analysis between free β-hCG MoM, PAPP-A MoM, age, gravida, and vertical and longitudinal lengths of the hematoma (p>0.05). Conclusion The level of PAPP-A and free β-hCG were not affected by the SH. Therefore, these markers can be used reliably in TM cases with SH for the first-trimester fetal aneuploidy screening test.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma under Local Anesthesia: Case Report and Literature Review / Tratamento cirúrgico de Hematoma Subdural Crônico sob anestesia local: Relato de caso e revisão de literatura

Introduction Optimal surgical treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in the elderly has been controversial. Whenever possible, a less invasive technique should be used to avoid complications. Case Report The patient was 82-years-old, with JPS; with diagnosis of liver cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse and history of recent myocardial infarction. He was admitted to the emergency room with temporal-spatial disorientation. The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) value on admission was 9. Left hemiparesis and osteotendinous hyperreflexia in the left side of the body. Noncontrast-enhanced cranial computed tomography (CT) showed right frontoparietal hypodense lesion with mass effect. Due to the clinical conditions of the patient, drainage of the hematoma was indicated through local anesthesia and sedation with midazolam. He was discharged after 8 days with improvement in his mental and neurological condition. Conclusion Drainage of CSDH using local anesthesia in an elderly person with severe comorbidity can reach excellent results.

Introdução O tratamento cirúrgico ideal para hematoma subdural crônico (HSDC) em idosos tem sido controverso. Sempre que possível uma técnica menos invasiva deve ser utilizada para evitar complicações. Relato do Caso Paciente de 82 anos portadora de JPS; com diagnóstico de cirrose hepática por abuso de álcool e história de infarto do miocárdio recente. Foi admitido no pronto-socorro com desorientação espaço-temporal. O valor da escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG) na admissão era 9. Hemiparesia esquerda e hiperreflexia osteotendinosa no lado esquerdo do corpo. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio sem contraste mostrou lesão frontoparietal hipodensa direita com efeito de massa. Devido às condições clínicas do paciente foi indicada drenagem do hematoma através de anestesia local e sedação com midazolam. Teve alta após 8 dias com melhora do quadro mental e neurológico. Conclusão A drenagem do HDC com anestesia local em idoso com comorbidade grave pode alcançar excelentes resultados.

[Complex management of intramural hematoma of the descending aorta: about a case]. / Manejo complejo del hematoma intramural de aorta descendente: a propósito de un caso.

Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) include a variety of overlapping anatomical and clinical conditions. Intramural hematoma (IMH), penetrating aortic ulcer, and aortic dissection occur in isolation or may coexist in the same patient. IMH represents 5-30% of all AAS and 60-70% of cases are located in the descending aorta. The diagnosis relies on a high index of clinical suspicion and on the use of complementary images. Management is conservative, but patients with some high-risk characteristics have a higher risk of mortality in the acute phase, so initial endovascular management should be considered. We present the case of a 69-year-old patient, in whom IMH was diagnosed in the course of a hypertensive emergency and who required hybrid management due to high-risk anatomical characteristics for endovascular management only.

Hemorragia Intracerebral Imprevisible en un Hombre Joven: La Importancia de la Tomografía computarizada craneal post-mortem / Unpredictable Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Young Male: The Importance of Post-Mortem Cranial Computed Tomography

La muerte súbita es aquella que ocurre dentro de las 24 horas posteriores al inicio de los síntomas y se caracteriza por ser clínicamente inexplicable, inesperada y repentina. Debido a la naturaleza de la muerte súbita, no es posible llegar a un diagnóstico preciso sin una autopsia. En esta comunicación breve, evaluaremos el caso de un empleado de crucero de 33 años, sin historial médico/farmacológico previo, el cual falleció súbitamente mientras reposaba en su camarote. Debido a las sospechas iniciales de una posible muerte causada por una sobredosis de cocaína, se le realizó un panel toxicológico abarcador el cual resultó negativo. Empero, una tomografía computarizada (TC) craneal sin contraste revirtió la hipótesis inicial y la autopsia neuropatológica -sorpresivamente- confirmó que la verdadera causa de muerte fue la ruptura de un aneurisma sacular desconocido en el polígono de Willis.

Sudden death occurs within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and is characterized by being clinically inexplicable, sudden, and unexpected. Due to the nature of sudden death, it is not possible an accurate diagnosis without performing an autopsy. In this brief communication, we will evaluate the case of a 33-year-old cruise employee, with no prior medical/pharmacological history, who suddenly died while resting in his cabin. Due to initial suspicions of a possible cocaine overdose death, a comprehensive toxicology panel was performed, although yielding a negative result. A cranial computed tomography without contrast reversed the initial hypothesis and the neuropathological autopsy -surprisingly- confirmed that the true cause of death was the rupture of an unknown saccular aneurysm in the Circle of Willis.

Hematoma subcapsular esplénico espontáneo y mononucleosis infecciosa: una asociación de interés para el cirujano

La rotura espontánea de bazo es una complicación infrecuente pero muy grave de la mononucleosis infecciosa. Dada la urgencia con la que suele presentarse tal situación, la esplenectomía suele ser la opción quirúrgica más utilizada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente en el que con el diagnóstico de rotura esplénica espontánea se somete a laparoscopia diagnóstica en la que se consigue la preservación del bazo con buena evolución clínica. A la luz de este paciente, consideramos que, en caso de estabilidad clínica y hematomas subcapsulares de bazo, la laparoscopia con preservación esplénica es una opción viable y con buenos resultados. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare but very serious complication of infectious mononucleosis. Given the urgency with which such a situation usually presents, splenectomy is usually the most used surgical option. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with spontaneous splenic rupture who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in which spleen preservation was achieved with good clinical evolution. In the light of this patient, we consider that, in the case of clinical stability and subcapsular haematomas of the spleen, laparoscopy with splenic preservation is a viable option with good results. (provided by Infomedic International)

The clinical effect of minimally invasive stereotactic puncture intracranial hematoma removal in the treatment of patients with cerebral hemorrhage: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to systemically evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive stereotactic puncture for intracranial hematoma evacuation in patients with cerebral hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant studies in PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched. A meta-analysis was performed following the inclusion and exclusion criteria screening, data extraction, and literature quality evaluation. RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 1312 patients were included with 673 participants in the experimental group and 639 in the control group. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with traditional craniotomy or treatment, minimally invasive stereotactic puncture intracranial hematoma removal had a higher clinical total effective rate in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, an outcome that could significantly shorten the hospitalization time of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. The level of post-operative activities of daily living was significantly higher, the incidence of postoperative complications was lower, and the mortality rate was lower. However, there was no significant difference in the degree of post-operative neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional craniotomy or conservative treatment, minimally invasive stereotactic puncture intracranial hematoma removal has a higher clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with cerebral hemorrhage, which can improve the post-operative daily life and abilities of patients.

OBJETIVO: Evaluación sistemática de la eficacia clínica de la punción estereotáctica mínimamente invasiva para la evacuación de hematomas intracraneales en pacientes con hemorragia cerebral. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizaron búsquedas en estudios relevantes en PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Infraestructura Nacional de Conocimiento de China, base de datos Wanfang y base de datos VIP. El metanálisis se realizó después de la selección de criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la extracción de datos y la evaluación de la calidad de la literatura. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 15 estudios en los que participaron 1.312 sujetos, 673 en el grupo experimental y 639 en el grupo control. En comparación con la Craneotomía tradicional o el tratamiento, el aclaramiento estereotáctico mínimamente invasivo de hematomas intracraneales tiene una alta eficiencia clínica total en pacientes con hemorragia intracerebral y puede acortar significativamente el tiempo de hospitalización de los pacientes con hemorragia intracerebral. El nivel de actividad de la vida diaria postoperatoria (ADL) aumentó significativamente, la incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias disminuyó y la mortalidad disminuyó. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencia significativa en el grado de déficit neurológico postoperatorio. CONCLUSIÓN: En comparación con la Craneotomía tradicional o el tratamiento conservador, la Craneotomía estereotáctica mínimamente invasiva tiene un mayor efecto clínico en el tratamiento de la hemorragia cerebral y puede mejorar la capacidad de la vida diaria de los pacientes después de la operación.

Actualización epidemiológica: tasa de mortalidad por Hemorragia Subdural Traumática entre los años 2018-2022 en Chile / Epidemiological update: traumatic Subdural Hemorrhage mortality rate between 2018-2022 in Chile

Traumatic subdural hemorrhage (TSH) is an injury between the meningeal membranes, caused by traumas, especially traffic accidents. OBJECTIVE: To describe the mortality rate (MR) due to TSH in the period 2018-2022 in Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study on MR due to TSH in the period 2018-2022 in Chile, according to gender, age group, regional distribution, place of death, and month of death. Anonymous and public databases were used. No ethics committee approval was required. RESULTS: The average MR due to TSH in Chile from 2018 to 2022 was 0.45/100,000 inhabitants, with a peak in 2018 (0.75) and a minimum in 2021 (0.31). Men had higher rates. Mortality increased with age, especially in those over 80 years. The Metropolitan Region accounted for 35.2% of TSH-related deaths. Hospitals and clinics were the main places of death (67.1%), with more deaths in March, July, and August. DISCUSSION: The MR due to TSH progressively decreased due to medical improvements. Men have higher rates, possibly due to risk factors or biological differences. The reduction in MR in hospitals is linked to changes in the severity and categorization of the place of death. The connection with traffic accidents is significant, especially between March and August, due to the return to academic activities and weather conditions. Additionally, TSH-related deaths are concentrated in densely populated regions with more traffic accidents.

A destructive sinonasal organizing hematoma mimicking malignancy.

Sinonasal organizing hematomas (SOH) are rare, benign lesions that can be mistaken for malignancies due to their unfamiliarity among clinicians and aggressive appearance on imaging, which can lead to aggressive and unnecessary therapeutic interventions. Herein, we report an unusual case of SOH in an 87-year-old female patient who sought care at a maxillofacial surgery service due to persistent right nasal obstruction and imaging findings that suggested the possibility of sinonasal malignancy. We highlight the importance of recognizing these lesions to ensure adequate treatment through a conservative approach.

Surgeon Preferences Worldwide in Wound Drain Utilization in Open Lumbar Fusion Surgery for Degenerative Pathologies.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVE: Although literature does not recommend routine wound drain utilization, there is a disconnect between the evidence and clinical practice. This study aims to explore into this controversy and analyze the surgeon preferences related to drain utilization, and the factors influencing drain use and criterion for removal. METHODS: A survey was distributed to AO Spine members worldwide. Surgeon demographics and factors related to peri-operative drain use in 1 or 2-level open fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative pathologies were collected. Multivariate analyses by drain utilization, and criterion of removal were conducted. RESULTS: 231 surgeons participated, including 220 males (95.2%), orthopedics (178, 77.1%), and academic/university-affiliated (114, 49.4%). Most surgeons preferred drain use (186, 80.5%) and subfascial drains (169, 73.2%). Drains were removed based on duration by 52.87% of the surgeons, but 27.7% removed drains based on outputs. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of drain use were surgeon's aged 35-44 (OR = 11.9, 95% CI = 1.2-117.2, P = .034), 45-54 (29.1, 3.1-269.6, P = .003), 55-64 (8.9, 1.4-56.5, .019), and wound closure using coaptive films (6.0, 1.2-29.0, P = .025). Additionally, surgeons from Asia Pacific (OR = 5.19, 95% CI = 1.65-16.38, P = .005), Europe (3.55, 1.22-10.31, P = .020), and Latin America (4.40, 1.09-17.83, .038) were more likely to remove drain based on time duration, but surgeons <5 years of experience (10.23, 1.75-59.71, P = .010) were more likely to remove drains based on outputs. CONCLUSIONS: Most spine surgeons worldwide prefer to place a subfascial wound drain for degenerative open lumbar surgery. The choice for drain placement is associated with the surgeon's age and use of coaptive films for wound closure, while the criterion for drain removal is associated with the surgeons' region of practice and experience.