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Acta Neurochirurgica
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 6/2019

01-06-2019 | Metastasis | Original Article - Spine - Other

The “Friday peak” in surgical referrals for spinal metastases: lessons not learned. A retrospective analysis of 201 consecutive cases at a tertiary center

Authors: Bertrand Debono, Cécile Braticevic, Pascal Sabatier, Guillaume Dutertre, Igor Latorzeff, Olivier Hamel

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Background

Spinal cord compression and fracture are potential complications of spine metastasis (SM). Rapid management by an expert team can reduce these adverse developments. Delays in seeking therapeutic advices, which lead to the need for sub-optimal emergency procedures, were already demonstrated nearly 20 years ago. We aimed to analyze the current weak points of referrals for vertebral metastasis so as to improve the care pathways.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients admitted on an emergency or elective basis who underwent palliative surgery for the treatment of neoplastic spine lesions in our institution (tertiary referral neurosurgical unit) between January 2009 and December 2016.

Results

This retrospective study included 201 patients, 121 men and 80 women (mean age 65.1 years ± 10.9). Cancer was known for 59.7% of cases. Patients were neurologically asymptomatic in 52.7% of cases (Frankel E), and 123 (60.7%) were hospitalized for emergency reasons, including 51 (41.5% of emergencies) on a Friday (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in emergencies occurred over the studied period (p = 0.0027). The “emergency” group had significantly unfavorable results in terms of neurological status (p < 0.001), the occurrence of complications (p = 0.04), the duration of hospitalization (p = 0.02), and the clinical evolution (p = 0.04). Among 123 patients hospitalized for emergency reasons, 65 (52.8%) had known cancers, of which 33 had an identified SM, including 22 with neurological deficits (Frankel A–D), without prior surgical assessment (17.8% of emergencies).

Conclusion

Too many patients with previously identified metastases are referred for emergency reasons, including with a neurological deficit. Optimizing upstream pathways and referrals is imperative for improving the management of these patients. Involving a spine surgeon at the slightest symptom or an abnormal image is critical for defining the best treatment upstream. The use of telemedicine and the development of dedicated tumor boards are ways of improving this involvement.
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Metadata
Title
The “Friday peak” in surgical referrals for spinal metastases: lessons not learned. A retrospective analysis of 201 consecutive cases at a tertiary center
Authors
Bertrand Debono
Cécile Braticevic
Pascal Sabatier
Guillaume Dutertre
Igor Latorzeff
Olivier Hamel
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-03919-z

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