Risk factors for delayed extubation in thoracic and lumbar spine surgery: a retrospective analysis of 135 patients.

Purpose: Extubation may be delayed after spine surgery mainly for the concerns of airway safety. Risk factors for delayed extubation in cervical spine surgery have been described to include prolonged surgery time and amount of crystalloids or blood transfused. To date, risk factors for delayed extubation in thoracic or lumbar spine surgery have not been investigated.