Prevention and management of early complications in anterior cervical spine surgery

[Objective]To analyze the prevention and management of early complications associated with anterior cervical spine surgery.[Method]From Jan 1997 to Mar 2003,559 cases were treated with anterior cervical surgery,and received analysis on complications during the occurrence,the patient's disease,sex,age,systemic complications,surgical,anesthesia,nursing and paralysis of the multi-factor analysis.By analyzing causes of complications,the countermeasures developed.[Result]Total 141 complications occurred in 118 patients and the incidence was 25.22%,including dysphagia in 53 cases,superior laryngeal nerve or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 11 cases,hematoma in 4 cases,increased spinal cord injury in 3 cases,esophageal fistula in 1 case,cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 4 cases,bone hematoma and infections in 5 cases,hyponatremia in 39 cases,pulmonary infection in 12 cases,deep vein thrombosis in 5 cases,death in 4cases.[Conclusion]Adequate preoperative preparation and assessment,thorough understanding of anatomy related to the anterior approach and the operation carefully,postoperative careful observation and care are essential for preventing the early postoperative complications of anterior cervical spine surgery.