Intraoperative Burden of Open Cervical Spine Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Complex Cases

Abstract

Open cervical spine surgery is commonly performed for complex spinal conditions requiring instrumentation or multilevel intervention. Although minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers potential benefits in reducing tissue trauma, its applicability in complex cervical procedures is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the intraoperative burden and clinical outcomes of open cervical spine surgery in complex cases. A five-year cross-sectional analysis was conducted, including 48 patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. Data collected included operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss (EIOBL), postoperative hemoglobin and leukocyte changes, and length of stay (LOS). Patients were stratified by the use of instrumentation and extent of surgery (≥3 versus <3 vertebral levels). The mean operative time was 256 ± 95 minutes, with a mean EIOBL of 252 ± 223 mL. Surgery involving ≥3 vertebral levels was significantly associated with longer operative time (p = 0.012), but not with increased EIOBL, laboratory changes, or LOS. Instrumentation, used in 71% of cases, was associated with increased operative time and blood loss, although these differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, open cervical spine surgery in complex settings increases operative time but does not significantly impact perioperative morbidity. Surgical complexity likely contributes more to intraoperative burden than surgical approach.