Pharyngeal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery treated by transoral endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND

Anterior cervical fixation has been used since 1967 for multiple pathologies like traumatism, compressive myelopathy, or spinal infections.

METHODS

We report the case of a patient who had undergone cervical spine surgery 10 years previously and presented to our clinic with a pharyngeal fistula due to surgical screw displacement that was treated by transoral endoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

The immediate postoperative period occurred without incidence and complete odynophagia resolution. The patient was discharged home the fourth day after surgery. Follow-up after 1 year showed no evidence of spinal fixation hardware mobilization.

CONCLUSION

We consider the transoral endoscopic approach a feasible low comorbidity technique to treat anterior cervical plate mobilization with pharyngeal and pharyngoesophageal perforations.