An Absorbable Collagen Biomembrane Help Improve Swallowing Function After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

The objective of this study is to investigate the changes in swallowing function after using an absorbable collagen biomembrane during anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). A prospective controlled study of patients who underwent two-level anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) with a zero-profile implant or single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) with cage and plate fixation was performed in our hospital from January 2016. An absorbable collagen biomembrane was used after suturing the prevertebral fascia in the experimental groups. The thickness of prevertebral soft tissue (PST) was measured on lateral X-rays to determine the extent of swelling. In addition, the Bazaz grading system and the Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) survey were used to assess the swallowing function. A total of 100 patients were included with a follow-up of 12 months. Significant differences in PST swelling were found between the experimental groups and control groups at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Patients in the experimental groups had significantly increased SWAL-QOL scores compared with patients in the control groups at 3 months and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). A significant difference in the total incidence of dysphagia was observed at 3 months postoperatively between the experimental groups and control groups (P < 0.05). The application of absorbable collagen biomembrane in ACSS can reduce the total incidence of dysphagia and improve swallowing function early after surgery.