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Adult Speech and Language Therapy Services
What is anterior cervical spine surgery?
Anterior means how the surgeon performs the operation. In your case, this means they will be operating from the front of your neck, just to one side of your voice box (which is behind your Adam’s apple).
Cervical refers to the vertebrae (bones) at the top of your spine (the cervical spine).
There are seven cervical vertebrae running from the bottom of your skull to just between your shoulder blades. You will have surgery on one or more of these vertebrae.
Your surgeon will explain your individual operation to you.
Are swallowing problems common after this type of surgery?
Yes. During the first few days swallowing problems are very common.
It is unusual for these swallowing problems to continue beyond 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.
You may be at greater risk of developing swallowing problems if your surgery involves two or more vertebrae.
You may have difficulty:
- swallowing hard, dry or crumbly foods (like toast, pastry, apples, cakes, crisps, biscuits).
- swallowing foods with skins or husks (like grapes, tomatoes, peas, beans, sweetcorn).
- with mixed consistencies (like soluble medicine which can be gritty, fruit juice or soups with bits, cereals floating in milk).
- triggering a strong swallow.
You may also find that you are coughing after eating and drinking or have a sensation of food sticking in your throat.
What causes these swallowing difficulties?
- Bruising around throat or neck.
- Swelling or inflammation inside your throat which may cause pressure against your gullet or swallowing tube (oesophagus).
- Temporary swelling of the swallow muscles.
- Scar formation.
- Pain on swallowing.
- For some, the position of screws or plate or wearing a hard collar may interfere with swallowing in the early weeks.
- If your surgery involves grafting (adding tissue from another part of your body to repair damaged tissue) then movement of the graft may affect swallowing.
The nursing and medical staff will be there to help you with any problems you may experience.
How can your speech and language therapist (SALT) help you?
They will assess your eating and drinking. You may have to have an x-ray of your swallow to identify any problems you are experiencing.
Following assessment, the SALT will offer advice on the best way to eat and drink safely.
What can help?
Do
- Sit upright for all eating and drinking.
- Avoid distractions so you can concentrate on swallowing.
- Choose soft, easy swallow options from the menu like porridge, yoghurt, crustless sandwiches with soft, moist fillings, scrambled eggs, soft pasta with smooth sauces.
- Add extra gravy, sauce, custard.
- Take your pain killers about 20 minutes before eating or drinking if swallowing is painful. If you find swallowing tablets difficult then ask your GP to prescribe them in a liquid or crushable form.
Do not
- Rush drinks or meals.
- Eat mixed consistencies, for example, soups and juices with bits in.
Be aware
Sometimes pureed food may be necessary for a few days immediately after surgery.
Sometimes it may be necessary to drink thickened drinks such as smoothies.
What will happen when I go home?
- If your swallowing problems carry on, your SALT will refer you to a local speech and language therapist for follow up or see you in outpatients at The Princess Royal Hospital.
- Your SALT will give you written advice about how best to continue with safe eating and drinking
- Your SALT will telephone you at home to see how you are managing and you can phone them at any time after discharge if you have any worries about your swallowing.
Who can I contact for further information and advice?
Speech & Language Therapy
Monday to Friday, working hours
01273 696955
Ext. 64891
weekend and out of hours emergency advice
07827 233249
Feedback
We appreciate hearing what we are doing well and where we could make improvements. Please send your comments addressed to:
Speech and Language
Mandy McLeod, Speech & Language Therapy Manager (Adults)
Room 108, Downsmere, Princess Royal Hospital
Lewes Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4EX
01444 441881
Ext. 68057
PALS
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can give you information, help and advice with any problems you may have while using our services.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton and Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
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