Cervical Decompression and Unexpected Soft Tissue Oedema: Case Report

Abstract

Acute upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a life threatening complication that is well recognized after carotid endarterectomy, thyroidectomy and pharyngeal area intervention. It is not widely acknowledged that airway obstruction can occur after cervical spinal fusion surgery which was first described in 1955. There are a number of common postoperative problems which may become apparent in the short to medium term. These include: sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, dysphonia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and soft tissue swelling.

A Case Report Describing Three Cases of Challenging or Failed Intubation after Cervical Spine Surgery: A Peril of Early Extubation

“…2 Potential complications associated with this approach include: airway edema, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, dysphonia, dysphagia, esophageal perforation, hoarseness, and sore throat. 8…”