[Complications of ventral stabilization of the cervical spine.]

The authors discuss the still persisting view among the medical public that surgical stabilization of the injured cervical spine by a ventral approach is associated with a greater surgical risk and with complications. In a group of 101 patients after ventral stabilization who were followed up for more than 12 months following operation the authors recorded peropera-tive haemorrhage in 1.98% of patients, diagnosed peroperative injury of the parapharynx in 1.98%, with undetected injury of the oesophagus and subsequent deep infection in 0.99%. As to technical complications, loosening of screws was recorded in 0.99%. Other complications such as infections, necrosis or collapse of a stitch, or wound infection, were not encountered. In none of the patients neurological deterioration (not even temporary) was found. The authors conclude that ventral stabilization of the injured cervical spine is a safe surgical technique, the incidence of complications being comparable with other operations. Its benefit is much greater than the surgical risk. Key words: surgical complications, cervical spine, ventral stabilization.