Does Surgical Day of the Week Affect Hospital Course and Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

Abstract

Study Design Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Objectives Extended hospital length of stay (LOS) poses a significant cost burden to patients undergoing adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between late-week surgery and LOS in patients undergoing ASD surgery. Methods 256 patients who underwent ASD surgery between January 2018 and December 2021 by a single fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon comprised the patient sample. Demographics, intraoperative, and perioperative data were collected for the 256 patients who underwent ASD surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical day of the week: (1) Early-week (Monday/Tuesday) n = 126 and (2) Late-week (Thursday/Friday) n = 130. Descriptive statistics, T-tests, and linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Results Surgical details and sociodemographic characteristics did not differ between the groups. When controlling for TLIF/DLIF status and PSO status there was no difference in mean length of stay between the groups. The late-week group was associated with a greater risk of 30-day readmission, but there was no difference in complications, infections, or intraoperative complications. Conclusions We found no difference in mean length of stay between surgeries performed early in the week vs late in the week. Although late-week surgeries had higher 30-day readmission risk, all other outcomes, including complication rates, showed no significant differences. When adequate weekend post-operative care is available, we do not advise restricting ASD surgeries to specific weekdays.