Surgical Approach: High Anterior Cervical

Abstract

The knowledge of the different cervical approaches is necessary to treat the pathologies in the cervical spine. In the high anterior cervical spine we can find different structures (esophagus, nerves, vertebral artery…) that make its approach more complex, the anatomy is very important to take into account to reduce the morbidity of the surgery. In the present chapter are described the following surgical approaches:

• High anterior cervical incision (Sébileau-Carréga incision).

• Transoral approach.

• Transoral approach with transmaxillar extension.

• Transoral approach with transmandibular extension (mandibulotomy).

• Mandibuloglossotomy.

• Far lateral approach.

In each of the approaches are specified in which pathologies are indicated, as well as the position in which the patient must be placed, the incision in the skin, anatomical structures that will serve as reference and tricks to avoid injuring noble structures such as nerves and blood vessels.