Evaluating the Reliability of Coagulation Tests in Guiding Surgical Decisions for Spinal Interventions in Post-COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 in Coagulation and Surgery

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced challenges in medical practices, impacting laboratory
testing and raising concerns about the reliability of specific tests. This study aimed to assess the reliability of
using hematology test results to delay surgeries, particularly in spinal interventions.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 220 patients who had undergone
spinal surgery between October 2021 and June 2023, and whose COVID-19 status was documented. Inclusion
criteria encompassed individuals without a history of blood disorders, pregnancy, drug or smoking addiction, or
recent surgical procedures. Data analysis utilized SPSS software, employing descriptive methods and statistical
tests such as the independent samples t-test and chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among the analyzed patients, 56.4% were male. Fusion surgery was performed on 82.7% of individuals,
while laminectomy surgery was performed on 17.3%. Approximately 65.9% had no underlying conditions,
and 67.3% had a history of prior COVID-19 infection. Postoperative thrombotic complications were observed
in 2.2%. Comparisons between patients with and without coagulation complications revealed no significant
differences in demographic information, history of COVID-19 infection, or coagulation test results. Furthermore,
a comparison of D-dimer test outcomes between individuals with normal D-dimer levels [54 people] and those
with levels exceeding 500 [55 people] demonstrated no significant distinction (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study concludes that, for major and extensive spinal surgeries in
patients with a history of COVID-19, evaluating D-dimer test results does not offer significant assistance in
decision-making.