ACRP Study (Anterior Cervical Retraction Pressure Study)

INTERVENTION: In this study the recruited candidates are prospectively randomized into two groups. In one group Casper retraction system will be used and in the other group Seex's retraction system will be used for anterior cervical surgical procedures. For each patients one procedure will be done with one retractor system. In all the patients an online pressure transducer (Tekscan pressure measurement system) will be applied to the rear side of the medial retractor blade on to the food pipe and pressure changes will be recorded electronically throughout the period of retraction. The retractor system randomized for a particular patient will be used through out the period of retraction which is needed to complete the proposed procedure. Retraction period may vary between patients proposed period of study is 18 months. CONDITION: dysphagia sore throat voice change PRIMARY OUTCOME: The retraction pressure on wind pipe and food pipe in patients under going neck operations using the conventional Casper retraction system and Seex retractor system. SECONDARY OUTCOME: A self‐assessment of sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and voice change by the participants using a chart of rating score. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All the patients scheduled for spinal operations from the front of the neck in Nepean hospital, Kingswood, NSW