Cervical Discectomy is a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Jeffrey L. Katzell in Lake Worth Spine Surgeon to remove a degenerative disc that causes chronic pain on the neck. This surgery is helpful in treating a condition known as degenerative disc disease. The ideal candidate for this kind of surgery is one whose MRI scan shows that he has a herniated disc or is feeling severe pain on the neck. Before the surgery is performed, it is essential for you to schedule a pre-surgical test with Dr. Jeffrey L. Katzell so that he can be aware if you have any kind of allergies, anesthesia reactions, or hemorrhage histories and be able to take the necessary precautions during the surgery.  

As a patient who often smokes cigarettes or consumes alcohol, it is advisable that you quit taking these drugs since they may have a negative impact before and after the surgery. These substances may cause bleeding, prevents bone growth, and puts the patient at a higher risk for a failed fusion. They also increase the risk of infection and tend to slow down the recovery process. 

During the surgery procedure, Dr. Jeffrey L. Katzell slits the neck’s anterior part to reach the degenerated disc and removes it after identifying it on the X-ray. The advantage of performing an anterior incision rather than a posterior incision is that the surgeon can easily access the disc without disrupting the spinal cord. The patient is likely to feel much lesser pain with this kind of incision. Dr. Jeffrey L. Katzell performs the surgery procedure, usually under anesthesia. Once the disc has been removed, a bone graft is fused to prevent the vertebrae muscles from disintegrating. A cervical fusion is typically done at the same time with the cervical Discectomy. A bone graft may come from various sources like the patient himself, a donor, or human-made compounds.  

Bone grafts from the patient’s own bone cells are called autograft bones. These bone cells are taken from the iliac crest of the patient. They, therefore, have a higher rate of fusion. Donor bones that lack bone -growing cells are known as allografts. They come from people who are willing to give out their organs after they die. Artificial bones come from human-made compounds; the artificial bones act as a possibility for patients who would not like to undergo a bone graft fusion. The procedure may last up to a period of 2-3 hours, depending on the number of discs being removed.  

There are a variety of threats and complications that are associated with having this surgery.  

• You are likely to have difficulties in swallowing, blood clots, swelling of the trachea.  
• Another risk is a failed fusion. The failed fusion maybe as a result of your smoking habit if you do.  
• There might be human-made risks of infection, which is likely to increase if you are diagnosed with diabetes or take steroids. 

 As a patient, it is advisable from Dr. Jeffrey Katzell’s that: 

• You adhere to instructions to speed up the process of recovery. 
• You are also encouraged to engage in minimal physical activities to enhance the neck muscles’ flexibility and mobility 

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• It would be best for your recovery if you also avoid several strenuous activities that may deter you from recovering quickly.  
• You are recommended going for regular checkups with the doctor a few weeks after surgery so that they can be e aware of their improvement. 

For more information about Cervical Discectomy, please do not hesitate to contact us at 561-642-1219 for a first consult.