title: Swallowing performance following anterior cervical spine surgery.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery for cervical spondylosis. One-hundred patients were contacted 12-22 months following cervical spine surgery. Those reporting persistent swallowing impairment were invited to attend for further investigation. Of 73 respondents, 33 (45%) experienced postoperative dysphagia. This persisted for longer than 6 months in nine (12% of respondents). Of five subjects attending for investigation, none had a definite radiological abnormality. In contrast, manometry suggested hyperactivity of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment in these patients, although with normal co-ordination. Surgeons should warn of the risk of transient dysphagia in 45% of patients postoperatively and of its persistence in around 10%. Radiological examination may be normal and manometry is the investigation of choice. Persistent, severe dysphagia may be ameliorated by cricopharyngeal myotomy or pharyngeal dilatation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery