A Detailed Clinical Course Leading to Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report. Issue 3 (1st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matsumoto, Tomiya; Yamashita, Tomoya; Okuda, Shinya; Maeno, Takafumi; Nagamoto, Yukitaka; Iwasaki, Motoki
• Is Part Of: JBJS case connector. Volume 10:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: e20.00236
• Page End: e20.00236
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01
• Subjects: Orthopedic surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-3251

Abstract

Abstract : Case: A 48-year-old woman underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5/6. Extubation was performed immediately after surgery. Tachycardia, limb tremor, and panic attack developed approximately 4 hours after surgery at 16:15. Thirty minutes later, cessation of respiration occurred at 16:50. An experienced anesthesiologist attempted intubation but was unsuccessful because of laryngopharyngeal edema at the C2 level. Finally, an otolaryngologist performed tracheotomy and secured the airway at 17:20 but hypoxic encephalopathy ensued. Conclusion: Predicting the airway obstruction caused by laryngopharyngeal edema was very difficult; hence, to prevent critical complications, systematic perioperative management is essential in anterior cervical spine surgery.