Anterior Cervical Discectomy

Anterior Cervical Discectomy is performed to relieve the pain and pressure placed on nerve roots or on the spinal cord caused by herniated discs and bone spurs. In many cases, patients have pain, weakness and numbness that radiates from the neck into the arms, hands and fingers.

Learn what to expect from surgery

Done under general anesthesia, patients are placed on their back. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the front (anterior) of the neck and removes the discs or spurs that are pressing on the spinal cord.

Following surgery, patients are given a soft cervical collar to wear to support the neck for a few days while the area heals. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and to receive IV fluids until they are able to eat. Since the surgery is done on the neck, patients may find it difficult to eat solid foods at first and may opt for a liquid diet until the swelling goes down. For the first couple of days, patients may be hoarse due to inflammation in the region. The dressing on the surgery site will stay in place for a few days and will need to be covered while bathing.