Surgical Site Infections Following Non-Instrumental Lumbar Spine Surgery: A 4-Year Retrospective Analysis in Neurosurgery department in Aswan University Hospitals (2021–2024)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Neurosurgery department, faculty of Medicine, Aswan University

2 Neurosurgery department, faculty of Medicine, Assiut University

Abstract

Background: While extensive research has investigated surgical site infections (SSIs) following instrumental spine surgery, few studies have addressed infection rates after non-instrumental lumbar procedures. This study aims to estimate the rate of SSI following non-instrumental lumbar spine surgery and identify contributing risk factors.

Material and Methods: A retrospective review of 117 patients who underwent non-instrumental lumbosacral spine surgery at Aswan University Hospitals between January 2021 and December 2024 was conducted. Patients were grouped as:
- Needing surgical washout due to SSI: 6 patients (5.13%)
- Not requiring washout: 111 patients (94.87%)

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, or revision vs de novo surgery. However, several key risk factors were associated with the washout group: higher prevalence of osteoporosis, more frequent discectomy procedures, operations at L2–L3 level, and significant intraoperative blood loss. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism. Two-thirds of affected patients required antibiotics for ≥6 weeks.

Conclusion: SSI is a notable risk even in non-instrumental lumbar spine surgery. Independent risk factors include osteoporosis, significant intraoperative blood loss, discectomy, and procedures at the L2–L3 level.

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Aswan University Medical Journal
Volume 5, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 148-159

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