Pharyngeal perforation: a late complication of cervical spine surgery
1Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary/Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK. Sarah.Woolley@ubht.swest.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Anterior cervical spine fusion and stabilization is a well-recognized procedure for a number of cervical spine disorders. Unfortunately, the complex anatomy of the cervical spine means that these procedures are not without complications. Pharyngo-oesophageal perforation is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of cervical spine surgery and may present intra-operatively, in the immediate post-operative period or many years later. We present the case of a gentleman with ankylosing spondylitis who presented with a pharyngeal perforation and fistula five years after cervical spine surgery.
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