Dysphagia and Satisfaction Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Prospective Observation Trial.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2022

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dysphagia on patient satisfaction following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

BACKGROUND: Difficulty with swallowing is a common complaint following anterior cervical spine surgery. The exact impact of this issue on the patient's overall satisfaction is unknown because of its often-transient nature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation of all patients from a single surgeon undergoing an anterior cervical spine surgery. Dysphagia was evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively at set intervals via a combination of 3 validated scoring systems. Mean satisfaction scores at 6 months was evaluated at 6 months via modified CSRS survey. Comparative analysis was performed to determine if there was any relationship between the 2 outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 96.77% (68/71) of enrolled patients completed all of their follow-up surveys. The prevalence of dysphagia was 32.4% at 2 weeks after surgery, 20.6% at 6 weeks, 13.2% at 3 months, and 13.2% at 6 months. In total, 82.35% (56/68) of patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome and only 5.88% (4/68) were dissatisfied with their outcome. There was no relationship between a patient's overall satisfaction level and the presence of dysphagia at any postoperative interval. The absence of neck pain at 6 months was the only significant predictor of patient satisfaction (P=0.003).

CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is a common but often transient complaint following anterior cervical spine surgery. Fortunately, its presence does not seem to correlate with a patient's overall satisfaction level following surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Volume

35

Issue

1

First Page

99

Last Page

99

ISSN

2380-0194

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

33264126

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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