Which complication is commonly associated with the anterior approach for cervical spine surgery?

• A. Dysphagia due to esophageal retraction
• B. C5 Palsy
• C. Wound infection
• D. Hematoma

Answer: (A)

Dysphagia from esophageal retraction is the most common complication with the anterior approach to the cervical spine. When accessing the cervical levels from the front, the esophagus and trachea are mobilized out of the way to reach the vertebral bodies. This retraction can cause postoperative edema and irritation of the pharyngoesophageal tissues, leading to swallowing difficulties that are typically transient and most noticeable in the early period after surgery. While other issues like hoarseness from recurrent laryngeal nerve irritation, wound infection, or hematoma can occur, they are not as specifically linked to the anterior route as dysphagia is.