Comparing drainage techniques after lumbar spine surgery
Official title: A Prospective, Randomized Comparison Of Drainage Techniques After One- Or Two-Level Open Posterior Lumbar Decompression Or Decompression And Fusion
Run by Twin Cities Spine Center · NCT06820736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using drainage tubes after lumbar spine surgery can help reduce complications and the need for more surgeries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 975 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Twin Cities Spine Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 9, 2035 |
| Study ends | January 9, 2040 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06820736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals scheduled for one- or two-level open spinal decompression or decompression and fusion due to lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with infections, tumors, trauma, or those who have had prior lumbar fusion surgery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of drainage techniques in reducing postoperative complications following one- or two-level open posterior lumbar decompression or decompression and fusion. The study will prospectively assess the relative risk of patients needing to return to the operating room within 90 days post-surgery. By comparing outcomes between patients with and without drains, the research seeks to determine if drains can minimize issues such as infections or the necessity for additional surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have explored drainage techniques in surgical settings, but this specific comparison in lumbar spine surgery is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * One or two-level open spinal decompression or decompression and fusion for the treatment of lumbar stenosis and/or spondylolisthesis Exclusion Criteria: * Infection, tumor, or trauma * Prior lumbar fusion surgery * Lumbar fusion surgery at more than 2 levels * Anterior lumbar surgery * Perioperative anticoagulation treatment * Intraoperative incidental durotomy * Intraoperative or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage * Intraoperative EBL greater than one liter
Where it's running
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Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ben Mueller, MD, PhD — Twin Cities Spine Center
- Study coordinator: John M Dawson, PhD
- Email: RSRCH1@tcspine.com
- Phone: 612-775-6200
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.