Lusutrombopag as a substitute for platelet transfusion for thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease in a patient undergoing endoscopic spinal surgery: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding may interfere with the visual field and create difficulties in performing the intended treatment, especially in operations involving a small working space such as endoscopic spinal surgery. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of bleeding before surgery. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 76-year-old female presented with a history of right anterior thigh pain along the L3 dermatome for 3-years, following a L3 compression fracture. In addition, the patient had developed autoimmune hepatitis at 50 years of age, and the platelet count on laboratory blood collection was 78 × 10(9)/L. DIAGNOSIS: Magnetic resonance (MR) images showed a narrowed foramen at the L3–4 level. L3 nerve block was effective. L3 foraminal-stenosis was suspected. INTERVENTIONS: Micro-endoscopic laminectomy (MEL) for foraminal decompression was planned due to possible L3 nerve root compression. Lusutrombopag, a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist, was orally administered for 7 days starting 7 days preoperatively to address the risks of bleeding. OUTCOMES: The patient successfully underwent MEL without any adverse events or complications. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from the use of lusutrombopag suggested that safety measures could be implemented preoperatively, and that lusutrombopag may be a useful supplemental drug for minimally invasive treatment of patients with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia.