Postoperative Airway Obstruction by a Bone Fragment

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Postoperative airway obstruction is a critical complication, categorized into functional, pathoanatomical, or foreign body-related causes.
• Foreign body-related airway obstructions, though less common, have been documented due to items like broken teeth or surgical instruments.

Observation:

• This report details an exceptional case of postoperative airway obstruction.
• The obstruction was caused by a large fragment of maxillary bone inadvertently left in situ following transoral tumor resection.

Findings:

• The differential diagnosis for postoperative airway obstruction must include surgical-derived foreign bodies.
• Bone fragments, like the maxillary fragment presented, represent a rare but significant cause of airway compromise.

Implications:

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for unusual foreign bodies in patients with postoperative airway obstruction.
• Awareness of this potential complication can guide diagnosis and management, improving patient outcomes.