Procedure Description:
Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
What To Expect:
You may notice some voice hoarseness or difficulty swallowing (lump in your throat) due to mild neck swelling after the surgery. This is completely normal and is likely to resolve in a few days. You may also notice some mild neck and shoulder pain.
Preprocedure:
Nothing by mouth after midnight. Please arrive in the Surgical Admissions Unit at least 90 minutes before the scheduled procedure. Be prepared to stay overnight.
Postprocedure:
Patients usually stay in the hospital over night or for 23-hour observation. Patients will wear a hard cervical collar for 2 weeks, and then will be switched to a soft collar. If staples were used, they will be removed in 7-10 days. If steri-strips are used, you may gently remove them in 7 days. You may shower after 3 days. The dressings should be changed each day and the incision inspected for any signs of infection. You will not be able to drive for approximately two weeks. Eat only soft foods such as mashed potatoes, custard, jello for a few days.
Central Indiana Neurosurgery, P.C.
Central Indiana Neurosurgery, P.C.: Anterior Cervical Discectomy
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