Recurrent acute upper airway obstruction after anterior cervical fusion

A 67-year-old man presented with cervical myelopathy for which a C3/4 discectomy and anterior fusion was performed. Recurrent episodes of acute upper airway obstruction necessitated laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Drainage of a prevertebral collection of CSF and surgical repair of a dural tear corrected the obstructive symptoms. Management of the difficult airway is discussed.