Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-9-2021
Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, but few studies have examined OSA in a purely spine surgery population. This study investigates the association of the STOP-Bang questionnaire, a screening tool for undiagnosed OSA, with adverse events following discectomy for far lateral disc herniation (FLDH). Methods: All adult patients (n = 144) who underwent FLDH surgery at a single, multihospital, academic medical center (2013-2020) were retrospectively enrolled. Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between risk of OSA (low- or high-risk) according to STOP-Bang score and postsurgical outcomes, including unplanned hospital readmissions, ED visits, and reoperations. Results: Ninety-two patients underwent open FLDH surgery, while 52 underwent endoscopic procedures. High risk of OSA according to STOP-Bang score did not predict risk of readmission, ED visit, outpatient office visit, or reoperation of any kind within either 30 days or 30-90 days of surgery. High risk of OSA also did not predict risk of reoperation of any kind or repeat neurosurgical intervention within 30 days or 90 days of the index admission (either during the same admission or after discharge). Conclusion: The STOP-Bang questionnaire is not a reliable tool for predicting post-operative morbidity and mortality for FLDH patients undergoing discectomy. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact of OSA on morbidity and mortality in other spine surgery populations.
Publication Title
The Cureus Journal of Medical Science
ISSN
2168-8184
Publisher
Cureus
Volume
13
Issue
5
First Page
1
Last Page
8
Recommended Citation
Connolly, J., Borja, A. J., Kvint, S., Detchou, D. K., Glauser, G., Strouz, K., McClintock, S. D., Marcotte, P. J., & Malhotra, N. R. (2021). Outcomes Following Discectomy for Far Lateral Disc Herniation Are Not Predicted by Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, 13(5), 1-8. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/math_facpub/79