Abstract
Introduction This study was conducted to quantify the incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity and identify risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity following spinal surgery in children.
Method A retrospective review was conducted on 253 surgical spinal procedures performed over a 5 year period at Starship Children’s Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors. Co-morbidity included co-existing cardiac, respiratory, genitorurinary or central nervous system problems, or delayed development.
Results Seventy eight (77.9%) percent of the study population developed gastrointestinal morbidity and this significantly prolonged the median post-operative hospital stay (8 days vs.4 days; p< 0.0001). Emesis (50.6%), paralytic ileus (42.3%) and constipation (22.5%) were the most frequent gastrointestinal morbidities. Significant risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity were fusion surgery (p< 0.01), co-morbidities (p-value) and duration of post-operative opioid use (p-value).
Discussion There is a high incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity after paediatric spinal surgery. The consequent prolonged hospital stay has clinical implications to both the patient and the institution. We have further identified risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity, of which the duration of post-operative opioid use is modifiable. Awareness of those with the other significant risk factors identified by this study could assist in the timely implementation of appropriate treatment.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor Bruce McPhee. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Orthopaedics Division, The University of Queensland, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, Qld, Australia
