Could anterior cervical discectomy with fusion be considered a major surgery?

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.

Yes: Anterior cervical fusion surgery is typically very well tolerated and routine, with a smooth recovery. However, because of the proximity of the spinal cord and other critical structures in the neck, it is by definition, a high risk procedure, with the potential of major complications. Be sure to find a surgeon who will thoroughly review the risks and benefits to allow for an informed decision.

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.

It is small tissue: Small in the tissue operated on but the complication easy recovery possible are significant when it goes well it is minor surgery but best describe all surgeries around your spinal cord as major.

If it is you!: It depends on one's perspective and really on how healthy you are and how severe the disc herniation is and if any other associated pathology or if there was any other prior surgery or treatment(radiation) through the surgical approach that may complicate the surgery or if you are a smoker, obese, diabetic, have an existing chronic remote infection, renal disease etc.

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.