Thromboelastography-Guided Fluid Management in Spinal Surgery

Thromboelastography-guided Fluid Management in Spinal Surgery: A Prospective Analysis

The Researchers are trying to evaluate whether using a blood test called thromboelastogram (TEG) to manage patients undergoing multi-level spinal fusion surgery will reduce complications after surgery compared with the standard practices.

Multi-level instrumented spinal fusions represent an important treatment modality for degenerative scoliosis and sagittal malalignment. These surgeries remain a significant physiologic burden with high blood loss and long operative times. Thromboelastography provides a quantitative measure for blood product transfusion surrounding procedures. We aim to utilize thromboelastography to guide transfusions for multi-level spinal instrumentation. This two-arm, randomized, non-blinded prospective analysis will clarify reduced transfusion requirements for TEG-arm compared to non-TEG arm. We will also evaluate postoperative outcomes at the 1 year time-point.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all patients undergoing elective multi-level spinal fusion for sagittal malalignment, multi-level spondylolisthesis, multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis, and adult degenerative scoliosis with ages between 18-89

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with tumors, infection, or trauma