title: [Dysphonia and dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anterior cervical spine surgery is a common procedure for fusions and/or discectomies. Postoperative dysphonia and dysphagia are known complications. In this study, we examined the frequency and outcomes of these complications in this patient population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients planned to receive anterior cervical spine surgery between 01.03.2010 and 28.02.2011 at the Department of Neurosurgery, St. Gallen were prospectively included. Patients were evaluated using laryngoscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), voice field measurements and validated questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From the 53 patients included in the study, 40 had at least one complete follow-up examination. The frequency of postoperative dysphonia due to recurrent nerve palsy was 4/40 (10 %), although this was temporary in 3 patients. FEES revealed a pathological result in 18.9 % of patients. Postoperative Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (Swal-QoL) scores were significantly lower.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At a frequency of 10 %, dysphonia due to recurrent nerve palsy is a relevant complication in cervical spine surgery, albeit temporary in most cases. Postoperative dysphagia is common and should be evaluated and treated during follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9007, St. Gallen, Schweiz.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Amstad
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fournier
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Haile
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Stöckli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Litschel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome