Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Postoperative Infection Rates of Blood Transfusion in Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Abstract

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: Effects of blood loss that requires blood transfusion after lumbar spinal fusion remain an important issue. Blood transfusions are used commonly in cases of significant blood loss in lumbar spinal fusion but are associated with adverse effects. The objective was to assess the rate of blood transfusion and the associated risk after lumbar spinal fusion from 2013 to 2018. Methods: In this nationwide population-based cohort study, the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was reviewed retrospectively from 2013 to 2018. Data were extracted from patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion without history of lumbar spinal surgery in the preceding year. The primary outcome was the rate of blood transfusion within 1 week of surgery. In addition, the risk factors for blood transfusion and the rate of postoperative infection were evaluated. Results: A total of 188,581 patients underwent lumbar spinal fusion between 2013 and 2018. A significant decline in blood transfusions was observed during the study period (56.38–47.51%). The presence of comorbidities was associated with an increased risk of blood transfusion. Patients who underwent the posterior approach were more likely to receive blood transfusion than patients who underwent the anterior or anterior and posterior approach. Receiving blood transfusion was associated with postoperative infection. Conclusions: In the present study, the prevalence, risk factors, and postoperative infection rates associated with blood transfusion in lumbar spinal fusion were identified. Spine surgeons should consider these risk factors in patients at high risk of blood transfusion.