Complications analysis of posterior vertebral column resection in 40 patients with spinal tumors

The aim of the present study was to summarize and analyze the complications of posterior vertebral column resection in patients with spinal tumors. The complications of 40 patients following surgery were recorded, and surgery-related parameters including segments, bleeding volume and surgical duration were recorded and analyzed. SPSS 12.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between the complications and these parameters retrospectively. A total of 36 complications were reported. The median follow-up duration of the patients was 14 months (range, 4–78 months). Transient late tracheal extubation was associated with higher intraoperative bleeding volume, lower preoperative forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. Replaced spinal segment subsidence was associated with increased duration of surgery, higher intraoperative bleeding volume and higher total blood transfusion volume. Thrombocytopenia was associated with increased duration of surgery and higher total blood transfusion volume. The majority of the complications were minor and did not affect the recovery of the patients. Active prevention is necessary to reduce the incidence of complications, in particular, major ones.