Extract
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a relatively rare complication after an
anterior cervical spine
operation1, except
when the diagnosis includes ossification of the posterior longitudinal
ligament. In patients with such a diagnosis, the dura is usually thin because
of long-standing compression by the ossification; furthermore, there may be a
dural defect or dural
ossification2.
Although cerebrospinal fluid leakage may cause wound dehiscence and subsequent
infection, it has not been recognized as a cause of airway problems, to our
knowledge. In this report, we present two cases of postoperative cerebrospinal
fluid leakage that caused acute airway obstruction, requiring emergency
treatment. The patients were informed that data concerning the cases could be
submitted for publication.