5 Things to Know About Cervical Disc Replacement

Disc replacement surgery is presently trending in the field of medical tourism. It is possible because the doctors and surgeons have mastered the art of replacement surgeries. Apart from this, there are certain things which are mandatory for the patient and their loved ones to know before they undergo any surgery. We would focus on the things that are necessary to know before going for cervical disc replacement surgery.

What is cervical disc replacement and what sort of health conditions are repaired with it?

Cervical disc replacement is the surgical procedure that involves removal of damaged or degenerated cervical discs and replacing it with an artificial implant. It is also known as disc arthroplasty. It usually treats degenerated or herniated discs in the cervical spine. These degenerated discs cause severe pain in nerve roots and spinal cord. Through cervical disc replacement, the patient is relieved from pain and discomfort.

How do you implant an artificial disc?

Artificial disc is implanted through an incision made on the front of the neck. This gives direct access to spine and the degenerated discs are removed and replaced with the artificial implant. This is a standard routine procedure which is to be followed.

Who is an ideal candidate for cervical disc replacement surgery?

Any patient who is suffering from severe cervical disorders and is unable to recover with all nonsurgical therapies is an ideal candidate for this surgery. Surgery for the cervical disc replacement is suggested when there is no improvement in the condition of the patient after all medications and therapies have been tried. Surgery is taken as the last option and recommended when all other options have failed.

What is the step by step procedure for cervical disc replacement surgery?

This procedure begins with an incision on the neck which helps the surgeon to gain easy access to cervical spine by separating soft tissues. Damaged disc of spine is then removed and bone spurs are resurfaced if any. removed disc is replaced with an artificial disc which is of the same size and shape. This disc fits perfectly enclosing other vertebrae and the gap is filled with bone graft if present. Incision is finally stitched back and draped in the bandage.

What happens after cervical disc replacement surgery? What are its benefits?

Post surgery, doctors monitor pulmonary and cardiac activities. The wound may have a drainage tube to drain out water from the wound & which may be taken out on the same day of the surgery or the next day. Medicines are prescribed to reduce pain and nausea. Patient may be made to walk on the same day of surgery. As this incision is made on the neck, the patient may experience difficulty in swallowing which may disappear gradually. The hospital stay would last only for 3-4 days and thereafter patients can go to their respective homes. Patient can get back to his daily routine within a month’s time. Talking about the benefits of the cervical disc replacement surgery, there are many advantages of undergoing this surgery. They are listed below-

• Disc replacement device preserves mobility at the affected area and protects the rest of the adjacent disc from degenerating.
• Since bones are not fused together in this surgery, chances of pseudoarthrosis are rare.
• This surgery requires a shorter stay at the hospital.
• Pain is minimal and usually disappears within 2-3 days.
• This surgery does not require placement of plates thereby reduces difficulty in swallowing.

Every surgery has some benefits and drawbacks as well. It is mandatory for the patient to have the complete knowledge about surgery he is supposed to undergo. Make your decision with a calm and composed mind and go for the surgery only after getting convinced that the surgery is the last option for you and will prove beneficial.