Surgical treatment of cervical spine disc herniation

Depending on the method and complexity — usually from 40 minutes to 2 hours. The exact duration is discussed after your examinations are reviewed.

After endoscopic removal of a disc herniation — usually 1–3 days. After ACDF or disc replacement — 3–5 days, depending on the patient's condition.

Thanks to modern pain management, post-operative pain is well controlled. Most patients notice a reduction of arm pain within the first days after surgery.

Endoscopy leaves only a puncture mark of about 1 cm. With ACDF and disc replacement the incision is made in a natural skin fold of the neck and becomes barely noticeable over time.

Office work and studies can usually be resumed 2–4 weeks after surgery. Timelines for physical work are determined individually.

Yes, with a gradual return:

• light activity and walking — from the first weeks;
• swimming and gym — usually after 2–3 months;
• contact sports — only after your doctor's approval.

The need for a collar and how long to wear it depend on the surgical method and are determined individually by the doctor. After endoscopy a collar is usually not required.

In most cases, no. Cages and disc prostheses are made of titanium and polymer materials that usually do not trigger metal detectors. No documents or certificates are needed for flights.

Yes, modern cervical implants are MRI-compatible and are not a contraindication to the examination.

Flights are usually allowed 1–2 weeks after surgery if recovery proceeds without complications.

You can contact our administrator to book a consultation:

📞 Phone: (094) 821-08-30 (Olena Ihorivna).

Cervical spine surgery is performed by Prof. Iakiv Fishchenko, MD, DSc — a spine surgeon and orthopaedic trauma surgeon. He personally reviews the MRI, CT and X-ray findings, selects the most appropriate treatment and performs the operation: endoscopic disc herniation removal, ACDF or disc replacement. Over the past eight years, he has personally performed more than 3,000 endoscopic spine procedures.

Professor Iakiv Fishchenko selects the surgical method individually after reviewing the MRI, CT, flexion-extension radiographs, symptoms and neurological status of the patient. Endoscopy is used when the herniation can be removed while preserving the native disc. ACDF may be appropriate for large central herniations, osteophytes, stenosis or instability. Disc replacement preserves segmental motion in appropriately selected patients without relevant contraindications.

Please send a cervical spine MRI in DICOM format via Telegram. Photographs of individual images or the written report alone are insufficient for a complete assessment. If available, include CT, flexion-extension radiographs, ENMG results and records from any previous operations. Briefly describe your symptoms and how long you have had them. Professor Iakiv Fishchenko will personally review the materials and let you know whether surgery is indicated and which method may be most appropriate.

All cervical spine procedures — endoscopic disc herniation removal, ACDF and disc replacement — are performed under general anaesthesia. This ensures maximum patient comfort and the immobility required during the procedure. Before surgery, the anaesthesiologist reviews the examination results and the patient’s general health and prepares an individual anaesthetic plan.

Like any surgical procedure, cervical spine surgery carries certain risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding or haematoma, damage to the membranes surrounding the neural structures, persistence or recurrence of symptoms, nerve-root or spinal-cord injury, and implant-related problems. After procedures performed through an anterior approach, temporary difficulty swallowing or hoarseness may occur. Risks depend on the type of procedure and the patient’s condition; Professor Iakiv Fishchenko discusses them individually before surgery.

Yes. Revision surgery is possible but requires particularly careful planning. Indications may include a residual or recurrent disc herniation, neural compression, instability, failed fusion, implant-related problems or adjacent-segment disease. For consultation, please provide MRI and CT studies in DICOM format, flexion-extension radiographs, the discharge summary from the previous surgery and information about any implanted devices. Professor Iakiv Fishchenko will determine whether endoscopic surgery, revision decompression, ACDF or another stabilisation procedure is appropriate.

Disc replacement is not suitable for every patient. It may be inappropriate in cases of vertebral instability, advanced facet joint arthrosis, marked spondylosis and large osteophytes, severe osteoporosis, cervical deformity, infection or a neoplastic process. Professor Iakiv Fishchenko makes the final decision after reviewing the MRI, CT and functional radiographs.

Endoscopy is best suited to lateral and foraminal disc herniations when the native disc can be preserved. It may be insufficient for a large central or calcified herniation, marked spinal-cord compression, substantial osteophytes, spinal canal stenosis, instability or significant loss of disc height. In such cases, Professor Iakiv Fishchenko may recommend ACDF or disc replacement.

Pain intensity is not the only criterion. When the spinal cord is compressed, more concerning signs may include weakness in the arms or legs, loss of hand dexterity, gait and balance disturbances, numbness, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Even when pain is mild, progression of these symptoms may lead to a lasting neurological deficit. In this situation, consultation with a spine surgeon should not be delayed.