IMPACT OF BODY HABITUS ON PERIOPERATIVE MORBIDITY ASSOCIATED WITH FUSION OF THE THORACOLUMBAR AND LUMBAR SPINE

Abstract

This nationwide study describes inpatient complications encountered during fusion surgery in patients who are obese. For a given surgical approach, patients with higher body mass index sustain increased transfusion requirements and utilize more resources during thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fusion. Nevertheless, the findings of equivalent mortality, length of stay, and other complication rates suggest that patients who are obese remain safe surgical candidates.