CERVICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Cervical discectomy surgery, anterior approach, and a fusion requires a very small 2 centimeters incision in the front of the neck. The surgical technique is performed with minimal tissue dissection and without muscle disruption and minimal pain post-operatively. The cervical disc (the cushion between the vertebrae) is removed. The spinal cord and nerve are roots are decompressed. Stabilization with fusion requires placement of a structure piece of banked bone or care with plate fixation.

Currently, cervical 1-2 level discectomy and fusion are performed in a surgery center as an outpatient. A patient is well awake within a few hours after surgery and may be taken home the same day as the procedure was performed.

Larger or more complicate cervical surgery may be performed as an in-patient wherein the patient may typically stay in the hospital for up to 1-2 days. Arm pain symptoms may resolve almost immediately after the discectomy/ decompressive type cervical surgery. Weakness, numbness may require weeks to fully subside. Bone healing and resolution of neck pain usually occurs after 8 weeks from surgery.

Patient Testimonials

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B