Multivariable analysis of factors affecting length of stay and hospital charges after single-level corpectomy

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is commonly employed for treating myelopathy, deformity, and a variety of other cervical pathologies. Limited data are available on factors associated with longer hospitalization and higher hospital charges following ACCF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables that are associated with length of hospital stay and hospital charges for patients undergoing single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in a retrospective case series. We retrospectively identified from a clinical database 69 patients who underwent single-level ACCF at a single institution from 2010 through 2014. Demographic variables, clinical information, and intraoperative data were analyzed with respect to length of hospitalization and hospital charges. T-test and Chi-squared testing as well as univariate and multivariable analysis were performed with p<0.05 considered significant. On multivariable analysis, polytrauma, postoperative complications, lower postoperative hematocrit, and two-staged procedures were significantly associated with longer lengths of stay. Length of stay, postoperative complications, and two-staged procedures were significantly associated with higher hospital charges. Patients undergoing a two-staged procedure and those having postoperative complications experience a longer postoperative length of stay and incur higher hospital charges. Avoidance of postoperative anemia may help to reduce length of stay following ACCF.