Late Airway Compromise Secondary to Dural Tear and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

Background: While dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery is common, a dural tear rare complication. Airway compromise resulting from cerebrospinal fluid collection an even rarer complication that has only been described to occur in the first few days postoperatively. Case Report: A 55-year-old male presented with progressive and respiratory 3 weeks discectomy fusion at C3-C6. Imaging demonstrated extensive retropharyngeal space lateral neck, displacement of cricoid cartilage rightward anteriorly while also narrowing pharyngeal space. After patient9s airway was secured by awake fiberoptic intubation, determined be (CSF) tear. The identified repaired. patient extubated next day, lumbar drain placed reduce strain on repair. 11 hospital, made full recovery. Conclusion: Dural tears following disc are almost always immediate postoperative period; however, should still considered when presents later date. techniques for securing would not different based type fluid, knowing CSF could prompt anesthesia team place drain.