Neurosurgery
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Postoperative fever discharge guidelines increase hospital charges associated with spine surgery.
Postoperative fever is a common sequel of spine surgery. In the presence of rigid nationally mandated clinical guidelines, fever management may consume more health care resources than is reasonably appropriate. ⋯ Postoperative fever in spine surgery patients is associated with a delay in patient discharge and increases in hospital charges. Postoperative fever discharge guidelines should be regularly and publicly subjected to appropriate cost-benefit analysis.