Complex plastic closure minimizes wound complications in spinal oncology patients

What is it about?

Wound complications are common following resection of spinal tumors, with several factors known to elevate risk. We compared the wound complication rates of patients who had primary spinal wound closure by plastic surgery vs neurosurgery after spine tumor resection. Patients in the plastic surgery closure group had significantly greater risk for wound complication based on presence of known risk factors, but similar complication rates to the neurosurgery closure group.

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Why is it important?

Minimizing wound complications following spinal surgery is a high priority to reduce morbidity and mortality among this complex and high-risk population. Collaboration between plastic and neurosurgery colleagues across interdisciplinary surgical teams at specialized centers may help to mitigate such complications.