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Massive tongue swelling as a complication after spinal surgery
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Massive tongue swelling is a severe airway obstruction complication after spinal surgery. Prevention involves careful patient positioning and endotracheal tube fixation; corticosteroids can manage swelling if it occurs.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Spinal surgery, particularly with patients in a flexed thoracic-cervical position, carries a risk of airway complications.
- Massive tongue swelling is a rare but severe complication that can lead to airway obstruction.
- Endotracheal tube fixation and surgical packing can contribute to tongue swelling.