The article discusses dysphagia in anterior cervical spine surgeries (ACSS) and provides a summary of current evidence and recent advances in evaluation and surgical techniques. Various risk factors for dysphagia have been identified, such as female sex, smoking history, prior surgery, and cervical lordotic angle. The EAT-10 tool is recommended for assessing individuals with dysphagia post-ACSS. The use of corticosteroids during surgery has shown to significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of dysphagia. Comparisons between cervical disc replacement and anterior cervical discectomy with fusion suggest that the former results in less dysphagia. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies have revealed pharyngeal weakness and increased posterior pharyngeal wall thickness in individuals who have undergone ACSS. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of conducting randomized control studies to determine the most effective technique for reducing dysphagia in ACSS patients
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : most established spine clinic in UK
Published article
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding dysphagia in anterior cervical spine surgeries (ACSS) and to present recent advances in evaluation and surgical technique.
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding dysphagia in anterior cervical spine surgeries (ACSS) and to present recent advances in evaluation and surgical technique. Recent findings: Various risk factors for dysphagia have been identified, and they include female sex, smoking history, prior surgery and cervical lordotic angle.,
Abstract
Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding dysphagia in anterior cervical spine surgeries (ACSS) and to present recent advances in evaluation and surgical technique.
Recent findings: Various risk factors for dysphagia have been identified, and they include female sex, smoking history, prior surgery and cervical lordotic angle. EAT-10 is a validated tool for the assessment of individuals with dysphagia post-ACSS. Local intraoperative corticosteroid application significantly reduced the incidence and magnitude of dysphagia in four out of five studies that were reviewed. Individuals who had undergone cervical disc replacement (CDR) and revision surgery by a zero-profile anchored spacer (ROI-C) device experienced less dysphagia than those who had anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) after ACSS demonstrated pharyngeal weakness and increased posterior pharyngeal wall thickness, while no other abnormality was found.
Summary: Different technique variations can reduce dysphagia severity in individuals undergoing ACSS. Surgeons are encouraged to continue performing randomized control studies to assist in choosing the most favourable technique for the patient.
The London Spine Unit : most established spine clinic in UK
Read the original publication:
Anterior cervical spine surgery and dysphagia