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Airway narrowing post surgical drainage of neck abscess

Case contributed by Steve Lau
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Post exploration, removal of cervical fusion plates and evacuation of neck abscess. Extubated post op and reintubated due to airway compromise. Past History: C3/C4 spinal fusion

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Female

CT neck shows moderately severe oropharyngeal and supraglottic airway narrowing to the level of larynx secondary to soft tissue edema and collapse of soft tissues around the endotracheal tube.

Drain tubes are inserted into right submandibular and retropharyngeal space. There is no evidence of a rim-enhancing collection or acute large-volume hematoma. C3/C4 disc cage remains in situ.

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