Comparing drainage techniques after lumbar spine surgery

A Prospective, Randomized Comparison Of Drainage Techniques After One- Or Two-Level Open Posterior Lumbar Decompression Or Decompression And Fusion

Not applicable Interventional Twin Cities Spine Center · NCT06820736

This study is testing if using drainage tubes after lumbar spine surgery can help reduce complications and the need for more surgeries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment975 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorTwin Cities Spine Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06820736 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with infections, tumors, trauma, or those who have had prior lumbar fusion surgery may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have explored drainage techniques in surgical settings, but this specific comparison in lumbar spine surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Complications, PostoperativeLumbar spine surgerydrainpostoperative complications
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.