On the day of the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery, you can typically expect something like this:

1. Pre-operative preparations: Before the surgery, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove any jewelry, contact lenses, or dentures. You may also receive an IV to deliver fluids and medications, and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
2. Anesthesia: ACDF surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.
3. Surgery: Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in the front of your neck to access the cervical spine. The damaged disc will then be removed, and the two adjacent vertebrae will be fused together using a bone graft or artificial spacer, along with plates and screws to hold them in place.
4. Post-operative recovery: After the surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia. You may have a small drain in your incision site to help prevent fluid buildup, and you may also have a cervical collar or brace to support your neck during the healing process.
5. Hospital stay: Most patients will spend one or two nights in the hospital after ACDF surgery to ensure proper healing and to manage any pain or discomfort.