University of Southern California
The goal of this randomized control trial is to collect sufficient preliminary data on the efficacy of sodium chloride, hereafter referred to as "saltwater" or "saline" in reducing the difficulty of swallowing following multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. The study population will consist of generally healthy adults ages 18 - 80. The main question it aims to answer is: If the symptomatology and severity of swallowing difficulties following ACDF surgery can be reduced by gargling with warm salt water. Researchers will compare the control and interventional arms to see if the proposed intervention of gargling with warm salt water improves difficulty swallowing following surgery. Patients in the control arm will be asked to: \- Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). Patients in the experimental/interventional arm will be asked to: * Complete three (3) questionnaires at specified intervals (preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7; and at 1-month postoperatively). * Gargle with a warm saltwater solution once on POD 0, and thrice daily from POD 1 to POD 7.
Background \& Hypothesis: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, often signifies structural or functional abnormalities in any of the three phases of swallowing and contributes to higher self-reported disability and lower physical health status. Dysphagia is a common postoperative complication following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. While most experience mild and transient symptoms, some individuals endure severe dysphagia, leading to significant postoperative morbidity. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of corticosteroids administered intraoperatively…
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 18 years of age * Patients undergoing a multi-level (2-, 3-, or 4-level) ACDF procedure * Single-approach (anterior only) ACDF - English or Spanish-speaking patients * Undergoing treatment at Keck Medical Center of USC Exclusion Criteria: * Patients ≤ 18 years of age * Patients undergoing any revision ACDF procedure * Patients undergoing ACDF with combined approaches (i.e. anterior + posterior) * Patients with spinal pathologies or deformities that are non-degenerative or idiopathic (i.e. trauma, infection, malignancy, or tumor) * Patients with a prior diagn…
15mL salt water gargle