A 45-year-old member asked:
Is it true that anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is considered major surgery?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kentanswered
Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine 13 years experience
I would consider: It major surgery. This can be quite invasive and you are dealing with surgery around some very delicate structures with an anterior approach and operating on the spine. Either would be considered major. While I am not a large proponent of spinal surgery, neurosurgeons with experience in this procedure are safe and practiced at what they do and will minimalize risk as much as possible.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Kevin Vaughtanswered
29 years experience
Absolutely: It is a common surgery for spine surgeons and most patients do well. However, it is certainly considered major surgery. Check out spine-health.Com.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
Could anterior cervical discectomy with fusion be considered a major surgery?
6 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Bolestaanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 41 years experience
Yes!: The surgery is major, though generally well tolerated. The surgery is near the spinal cord and many nerves. It requires moving the esophagus, the muscular tube where food passes to your stomach. The windpipe and voice box are also moved. Any of these can be injured or work less well after surgery (temporarily or permanently). Risk depends on many factors, so talk to your surgeon.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 21, 2019
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