The Effects of Underlying Comorbidities on Surgical Outcome in Patients With Spondylolisthesis Undergoing Surgical Treatment

Background and Aim: In patients with spondylolisthesis, both conservative and surgical approaches are considered based on the stage of the disease. However, in addition to the technical characteristics of the surgery and the stage of the disease, the underlying characteristics of the patients may also affect the therapeutic prognosis. In this regard, some studies have indicated that the surgical prognosis is worse in diabetic and hypertensive patients and also preoperative medical treatments, such as anticoagulants may be effective in the prognosis of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of underlying risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and anticoagulant conditions (such as aspirin) in worsening outcomes after surgery in patients with spondylolisthesis. Methods and Materials/Patients: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 patients suffering from spondylolisthesis and scheduled for surgery. According to baseline characteristics, 65 patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and receiving aspirin were categorized as the case group, and 65 sex- and age matched individuals without such comorbidities as the control group. Preoperative and postoperative radicular pain intensity, wound healing, and discharge from the surgical site were considered the study outcomes. Results: The two groups with and without comorbidities were matched for gender, mean age, mean body mass index, and time of operation. Preoperative pain intensity was similar in the groups, but those with comorbidities experienced higher radicular pain severity postoperatively. We showed no difference in the rate of surgical site discharging, but the lack of wound healing was significantly higher in those with comorbidities. Conclusion: In patients with spondylolisthesis and candidates for surgical treatment, a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and aspirin can be associated with a worse prognosis, including no improvement in pain and lack of wound healing.