Background:

This study aimed to explore: (I) the effect of different intraoperative saline irrigation volumes on postoperative drainage volume, drainage tube removal time, and short-term efficacy in single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF); and (II) the recommended intraoperative saline irrigation volume.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent single-level PLIF between January 2013 and December 2019 were enrolled. Based on the average total postoperative drainage volume, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (total postoperative drainage ≤103.86 mL) and group B (total postoperative drainage >103.86 mL). The recommended intraoperative saline irrigation volume (825 mL) was calculated from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and critical value. Using the recommended intraoperative saline irrigation volume (825 mL), patients were divided into 2 groups: group C (greater group, intraoperative irrigation volume >825 mL) and group D (lower group, intraoperative irrigation volume ≤825 mL) to evaluate the effect of different intraoperative saline irrigation volumes on postoperative drainage volume, extubation time, and short-term efficacy.

Results:

A greater intraoperative saline irrigation volume was associated with lower postoperative drainage volume, shorter indwelling drainage tube time, shorter hospitalization time, lower hospital charges, and better recovery from postoperative pain (P<0.05). According to the ROC curve and critical value calculation, we found that when the intraoperative saline irrigation volume was greater than 825 mL, the total postoperative drainage volume was more likely to decrease [P<0.001, area under the curve (AUC) =0.852, sensitivity =88.1%, specificity =73.8%]. Patients with more than 825 mL intraoperative saline irrigation had lower postoperative drainage volume, shorter indwelling drainage tube time, shorter hospitalization time, lower hospital charges, and better postoperative pain recovery.

Conclusions:

There was a significant correlation between the intraoperative saline irrigation volume and patient outcomes. At least 825 mL intraoperative saline irrigation is recommended during single-level PLIF.