Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Operative Technique and Post-Operative Complications – An Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background and Objective: The most common spinal procedure in our set up to address various disorders of the cervical spine like prolapsed intervertebral disc, trauma, and degenerative disc disease is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). As there is no technique without complication, this procedure is also related with certain important complications. We evaluated post-operative complications of ACDF in our institution.Material and Methods: The preoperative data of 148 patients who were operated in last 3 years for ACDF isincluded in the study. Patients with previous neck surgery are excluded.Results: The most commonly performed surgical interventions is single level ACDF (65%). Dysphagia is mostsignificant (16%) complication. After which neurological deterioration (9%) with equal incidence of RecurrentLaryngeal Nerve Palsy and wound infection that is 8% each.Conclusion: The most common post-operative complications are dysphagia and worsening of preexistingneurology and multilevel ACDF is identified as the most common risk factor. Early recognition of complicationsand management may help to reduce mortality and morbidity.