Using flowable gelatin in anterior cervical spine surgery in real-world practice: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the clinical and economic impact of flowable gelatin hemostatic matrix (FGHM) in anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Patients & methods: A total of 451 patients with performed ACSS were included to compare FGHM with conventional hemostatic methods for clinical and cost outcomes using propensity score matching method. Results: The comparisons of the matched 125 pairs observed that FGHM was associated with significantly lower blood transfusion volume (11.2 vs 36.3 ml; p = 0.039), shorter postsurgery hospital stay length (3.7 vs 4.7 days; p = 0.002), shorter operation time (103.5 vs 117.7 min; p = 0.004), lower drainage placement rate (51.2 vs 89.6%; p < 0.001) and also lower total hospital costs (median ¥64,717 vs ¥65,064; p = 0.035). Conclusion: Use of FGHM in ACSS improved perioperative outcomes without increasing hospital costs.