Optimising Intraoperative Fluid Management in Patients Treated with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Novel Strategy for Improving Outcomes

Abstract

Scoliosis surgery is a challenge for the entire team in terms of safety, and its accomplishment requires the utilization of advanced monitoring technologies. A prospective, single centre, non-randomised controlled cohort study, was designed to assess the efficacy of protocolised intraoperative haemodynamic monitoring and goal-directed therapy in relation to patient outcomes following posterior fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The control group (n = 35, mean age: 15 years) received standard blood pressure management during the surgical procedure, whereas the intervention group (n = 35, mean age: 14 years) underwent minimally invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Arterial pulse contour analysis (APCO) devices were employed, along with goal-directed therapy protocol centered on achieving target mean arterial pressure and stroke volume. This was facilitated through the application of crystalloid boluses, ephedrine, and noradrenaline. The intervention group was subjected to a comprehensive protocol following Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles. Remarkably, the intervention group exhibited notable advantages (p < 0.05), including reduced hospital stay durations (median 7 days vs. 10), shorter episodes of hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg—median 8 vs. 40 min), lesser declines in postoperative haemoglobin levels (−2.36 g/dl vs. −3.83 g/dl), and quicker extubation times. These compelling findings strongly imply that the integration of targeted interventions during the intraoperative care of AIS patients undergoing posterior fusion enhance a set of treatment outcomes.

Keywords

• adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• haemodynamic monitoring
• hypotension
• length of stay
• ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery)