[Causal analysis and management strategies of 30-day unplanned revision surgery following single-stage posterior vertebral column resection for severe spinal deformity].

Objective: To investigate the causes of 30-day unplanned revision surgery following one-stage posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe spinal deformity and the methods of prevention and management. Methods: A total of 112 severe deformity patients underwent one-stage PVCR for surgical treatment in the 306(th) Hospital of People's Liberation Army from May 2010 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Six patients required reoperation within 30 days after PVCR, including 2 males and 4 females with average age of 21 years (ranging from 12 to 38 years). Four cases were congenital kyphoscoliosis, 1 was post-laminectomy kyphoscoliosis and 1 was post-tuberculous angular kyphosis. Three cases associated with preoperative neurologic deficit (Frankel C in 1 patient and D in 2 patients). The causes, management and outcomes of unplanned revision surgery within 30 days after PVCR were recorded. Results: The total incidence of unplanned revision surgery within 30 days following PVCR was 5.4% (6/112). There was 1 case due to cerebrospinal fluid leak, 5 cases with varying degrees of new neurologic deficits, the causes were as followed: dural buckling in 1 case, residual bone compression in 1 case, epidural hematoma compression in 2 cases, spinal subdural hematoma in 1 case. All the 6 cases underwent surgical exploration again, including further dural repair, decompression and hematoma clearance. After unplanned reoperation, 6 cases recovered completely. The average follow-up time after surgery was 30.8 months (ranging from 10 to 60 months). The major curve at coronal plane was improved from preoperative 87.7° to 34.2°, with a mean correction of 61.0% at final follow-up; the sagittal kyphosis curve was improved from preoperative 119.5° to 45.5°, with a mean correction of 61.9% at final follow-up. Two patients' neurological status improved from Frankel D to Frankel E, one patient's neurological status improved from Frankel C to Frankel E. Conclusions: One-stage PVCR could be an effective method for treatment of severe spinal deformity. The causes of 30-day unplanned reoperation after PVCR are as followed: cerebrospinal fluid leak, dural buckling, residual bone compression and hematoma compression. Timely surgical exploration can gain good clinical outcomes.