Purpose: To review current literature regarding otolaryngologic complications of the anterior approach to the cervical spine with the focus on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders.
Methods: A review of literature from the introduction of anterior cervical surgery (late 1950s) to the present was conducted by using computer databases and bibliographies of appropriate journal articles and texts. Key words included "anterior cervical surgery," "dysphagia," "surgical complications," and "hoarseness."
Conclusion: Dysphagia and dysphonia are common conditions following anterior cervical fusion, and patients should be counseled on this risk preoperatively. The etiologies of these problems have not been clearly elucidated, and these complications are frequently underreported or ignored. Otolaryngologic consultation should be obtained for all patients with dysphagia or dysphonia that persists longer than 1 to 2 months, and consideration should be given to having all patients at risk (previously operated patients) evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively.