Impact of Comorbidities and Postoperative Complications among Patients of Degenerative Spondylosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.12-4.762Keywords:
Degenerative Spondylosis, Comorbidities, Postoperative ComplicationS, Spine Surgery, Diabetes, Hypertension, ObesityAbstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of comorbidities and postoperative complications among patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spondylosis at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.
METHODOLOGY
This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January to December 2024. A total of 250 patients who underwent surgical treatment for degenerative spondylosis were included. A structured questionnaire and hospital records were used to collect demographic data, comorbidity profiles, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with chi-square and logistic regression applied to assess associations between comorbidities and complications.
RESULTS
The mean age of patients was 55.6 ± 10.3 years; 58% were male and 42% female. Diabetes mellitus (34%), hypertension (41%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and obesity (29%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Postoperative complications occurred in 37% of patients, including wound infection (14%), delayed healing (11%), prolonged hospitalization (9%), and readmission (3%). Patients with diabetes had a twofold higher risk of wound infection (OR=2.15, p=0.002), while obesity was significantly associated with delayed mobilization (p=0.004). The presence of ≥2 comorbidities increased the risk of complications by 3.4 times (95% CI: 2.1-5.2, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Comorbidities, particularly diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, significantly increase postoperative complications in degenerative spondylosis patients. Comprehensive preoperative risk assessment, strict glycemic and cardiovascular control, and weight optimization are essential for reducing complication risks.
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