Iatrogenic bilateral hypoglossal palsy following spinal surgery

Eur Spine J. 2018 Jul;27(Suppl 3):314-317. doi: 10.1007/s00586-017-5214-4. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral hypoglossal palsy is a rare complication during airway management in surgery.

Case presentation: Isolated bilateral hypoglossal palsy was noted post-operatively in a patient who underwent multiple spinal surgeries associated with prone anaesthesia.

Discussion: Risk factors include difficult, multiple intubations, prolonged surgical time, throat pack, and hyperextension of the neck during intubation.

Conclusion: We aim to create awareness about this complication which has a significant morbidity and negative effect on patient outcomes.

Keywords: Bilateral hypoglossal; Palsy; Prone; Spinal surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Patient Positioning / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery