Simple tube after spine surgery may cut complications

NCT ID NCT06820736

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether placing a small drain near the surgical site after one- or two-level lumbar spine surgery reduces complications like infection or the need for another operation. About 975 adults having open back surgery for spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis are randomly assigned to receive a drain or not. Researchers track reoperations, wound issues, hospital stay length, and transfusion needs.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Drain (a small flexible tube placed near the surgical site to remove fluid)

What this could lead to

If a drain is shown to reduce complications, it could become a standard practice to improve recovery after lumbar spine surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a single trial, and results may not apply to all types of spine surgery. Drains themselves carry a small risk of infection or discomfort.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lumbar spinal stenosis Postoperative Complications spondylolisthesis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Abbott Northwestern Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••