Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or disc replacement

General risks

Constipation

Bladder infection (related to the catheter)

Pneumonia

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus (Blood clot on lungs)

Myocardial infarct and cardiac failure

Death

Specific risks

Sore throat and swallowing difficulty

Ongoing neck pain

Ongoing arm pain or numbness

Hoarse voice (related to vocal cord palsy)

Haematoma (blood clot in wound)

Failure of fusion (or fusion of disc replacement)

Misplaced spinal instrumentation

Neurological injury: nerve root or spinal cord injury

The risks of elective surgical procedures

Modern anaesthetics and surgical procedures are generally very safe. However, there is no such thing as risk-free surgery. Surgery is, by its very nature, invasive and there remains a risk of adverse events and patient harm.

Surgery may be likened to travelling in a motor car: We do it all the time and consider it to be safe. However, we all know that it is possible to be involved in an accident and suffer an injury. These events are rare and there are modern safeguards in place to reduce the risk of serious harm.

Up to 1 in 5 (20%) patients undergoing surgery may suffer some form of complication or adverse event. This may range from a minor inconvenience such as constipation through a mild infection like a bladder infection through to paralysis or even death. Happily, the more serious complications are now very rare.

The risks of a surgical procedure are related to the underlying age and health of the patient, as well as the nature of the surgical procedure. Elderly patients (over the age of 70 years) and patients with chronic medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer or obesity are exposed to greater risks. Prolonged procedures (longer than 3 hours) with excessive blood loss (greater than 1000 ml) or revision surgeries pose a greater risk of problems than minimally invasive surgeries.

Most post-operative complications are easily recognised and can be managed successfully without long term effects. However, this is not always the case.

Surgical complications may potentially compromise the outcome of a procedure. Complications may result in the need for further procedures and delay recovery. Complications may also result in unforeseen costs

The risk of dying after a surgical procedure is very low. This is a rare event. However, it is possible and it has happened in the past.

It is important that all patients undergoing a surgical procedure understand the potential risks prior to going to the operating theatre. Specific concerns should be discussed with the surgeon prior to the surgery.