Factors Affecting Length of Stay Following 3-Column Spinal Osteotomies in Pediatric Patients

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVES: Length of stay (LOS) is one of the important indicators for the quality of patient care. Although perioperative complications are known to be associated with longer LOS in general, little has been understood regarding LOS after 3-column spinal osteotomy for the rigid spinal deformity in pediatric population. The main objective of the article is to identify factors affecting the LOS in pediatric patients undergoing 3-column posterior spinal osteotomies. METHODS: Following research ethics approval, a retrospective review was performed of 35 consecutive posterior 3-column spinal osteotomies performed on pediatric patients in a single academic institution. Patients’ demographic data, preoperative comorbidities, details of operative procedures, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were investigated, and LOS was compared among the groups. RESULTS: The mean LOS was 9.0 days, and the median LOS was 7 days (range = 4-23 days). Low body weight and syndromic deformity were associated with longer LOS. Operation time ≥6 hours and total perioperative fluid administration greater than or equal to twice the estimated blood volume were associated with longer LOS. Among postoperative complications, those with respiratory complication had prolonged stay. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative low body weight and syndromic scoliosis had longer LOS after 3-column osteotomies. Excessive fluid administration and respiratory complications were associated with longer LOS.