Dexamethasone in Post-spinal Surgery Recovery: A Saudi Arabian Cross-sectional Study on Complication Reduction in Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal surgery, crucial for addressing deformities, fractures, tumours and degenerative diseases, is associated with significant risks such as persistent pain, infections and severe medical complications. These risks often lead to extended hospitalisation and long-term morbidities, underscoring the need for effective post-operative care. The role of glucocorticosteroids, particularly dexamethasone, has been a focus due to its anti-inflammatory effects and benefits in pain reduction and wound healing. However, the specific impact of dexamethasone on spinal surgery outcomes, especially within the Saudi Arabian population, remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the effects of dexamethasone on post-spinal surgery outcomes in this demographic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, targeting adults who had undergone spinal surgery. Data collection occurred between 18 August and 26 August 2023. A total of 833 participants were selected through stratified random sampling based on a prevalence of 5%, a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. The study included adults aged 18 and older from Saudi Arabia who received dexamethasone post-spine surgery, with no specific exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured, expert-validated questionnaire with 27 items, focusing on demographic details and questions about dexamethasone’s role in spinal surgery. Results: The study enrolled 833 participants, primarily in the 25–34 age bracket, with a majority being male and holding Bachelor’s degrees. Most participants rated their overall experience with spinal surgery as ‘Excellent’ and reported varied hospital stay durations, with many staying for 3–5 days. A significant majority received dexamethasone as part of their treatment, and amongst them, a substantial proportion experienced post-operative complications. Notably, 74.8% of participants who received dexamethasone rated the effectiveness of pain management during their recovery as ‘Excellent’. The study found a significant association between dexamethasone administration and improved post-operative outcomes, including fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and better pain management. Conclusion: This study contributes significantly to the literature by demonstrating that dexamethasone administration can reduce post-operative complications, shorten hospital stays and enhance pain management in spinal surgery patients within the Saudi Arabian population. These findings align with previous research and offer new insights into a previously underexplored demographic. The implications for clinical practice and public health are considerable, suggesting a re-evaluation of post-operative care protocols. The study’s findings serve as a call to action for integrating these insights into clinical guidelines and highlight the need for further research to explore dexamethasone’s long-term effects and applicability across diverse populations.