Post-operative complications in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A retrospective review

Abstract

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure used to manage various cervical spine disorders including spondylosis, prolapsed intervertebral disc, trauma and degenerative disc disease. However, this procedure may be associated with significant post-operative complications. In this study, we aimed to analyse the prevalence of post-operative complications following ACDF. Methods: Perioperative data of 128 patients who underwent ACDF surgery at our institute over a 3-year period was analysed. Patients who underwent previous neck surgeries were excluded. Results: Single level ACDF without cervical plating was observed to be the most commonly performed surgical procedure (53%). Dysphagia was the most common (16.4%) post-operative complaint, followed by neurological deterioration (7.9%). One patient suffered pharyngeal perforation and presented postoperatively with subcutaneous emphysema and haemoptysis. Conclusions: Post-operative dyphagia and worsening of pre-existing myelopathy were the most common complications following ACDF, and multilevel surgery was identified as the most significant risk factor. The early detection and prompt management may help reduce mortality and morbidity in such patients.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Complications and Thirty-Day Mortality and Morbidity

“…In a prospective study, Lee et al found that female revision surgery and multi-level surgery were associated with a higher rate of dysphasia [8]. Yadav et al found that dysphagia was the most common post-operative complaint (16.4%) followed by neurological deterioration (7.9%); one patient suffered from subcutaneous emphysema and hemoptysis due to pharyngeal perforation [14].…”

Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery

“…Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) represents one of the most frequently conducted spinal procedures. ACDF is a widely-used procedure to treat several cervical spine pathologies, such as prolapsed intervertebral disc spondylosis, degenerative disc disease and trauma [ 1 ]. ACDF is in general associated with optimistic clinical outcomes and the majority of patients demonstrate a substantial reduction in neck pain; nevertheless, this procedure may lead to post-operative complications.…”

Island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for posterior pharyngeal wall defect repair after anterior cervical spine surgery

“…Injuries and lesions of the cervical spine are not uncommon 1 . The anterior cervical midline (ACM) approach is a commonly utilised technique in patients with underlying degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical myelopathy 2 . The anterior approach can also be utilised in more complex cases, such as cases of tumour resection and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, or in cases where a posterior approach is not optimal, such as cases of existing kyphosis 3‐5 …”

“…This could be caused by intubation or direct surgical trauma intraoperatively. Yadav 2 analysed postoperative complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and found that one patient (1/128, 0.78%) suffered pharyngeal perforation and presented postoperatively with subcutaneous emphysema and haemoptysis.…”