Effects Of Administration Of Perioperative Steroids To Improve Postoperative Dysphagia In Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion

Authors

Lesly Ortiz, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Neurosurgery

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

Objective: The aim is to review the use of perioperative steroids (either IV or absorbable gelatin sponge) and their benefit in treating postoperative dysphagia in adult patients undergoing an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery.

Method: A PubMed and Cochrane Library literature search was conducted with the search terms “steroids in cervical fusion,” resulting in 107 articles relevant to the investigation. Advanced filters were utilized to narrow the search further and only include articles published within the last five years (2015-2020). The search yielded 23 articles, but only four were relevant for this review.

Results: The articles showed decreased dysphagia after steroid administration, with steroid-soaked gelatin sponge being the most effective.

Conclusion: Further investigation is warranted to determine if steroids provide clinically relevant improvement in typically self-limited postoperative dysphagia after ACDF surgery.

Keywords: cervical spine; cervical deformity; complications; postoperative dysphagia; steroids

Recommended Citation

Ortiz L. Effects Of Administration Of Perioperative Steroids To Improve Postoperative Dysphagia In Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(2).