Visual Examination of Airway Via Flexible Fiberoptic Scope After Cervical Spine Surgery

Airway swelling and edema after cervical spine surgery(CSS) especially in prone position is the direct cause that prohibits patient from extubation. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion causes severe peri-vertebral soft tissue swelling that was associated with increased postoperative airway complications. Facial, lip and tongue edema in combination with the cuff leak test and risk factors are currently served as the bases on whether patient can be extubated after spine surgery. Direct visualization of the larynx and inside trachea post-operatively to assess the airway directly using flexible fiberoptic scope as well as to quantify the degree of airway edema has not been investigated. Investigators are comparing airway before and after cervical spine surgery for any degree of narrowing in the airway using flexible fiberoptic scope. Investigators are also studying the risk factors affecting the degree of narrowing in the airway if any