Acute airway obstruction resulting in Pneumonia after palatoplasty: A Case Report

구개성형술후 폐렴을 동반한 급성 기도 폐색: 증례보고

Cleft palate patients with congenital anomalies have an increased risk of airway problems following palatoplasty. Factors that were related included presence of associated congenital anomalies, duration of surgery, age at time of surgery, history of previous airway problem, and excessive pressure exerted on the base of the tongue by Dingman retractor. This report described a complication of post-operative Pneumonia after palatoplasty (Furlow technique), which resulted in a life-threatening acute airway obstruction in an infant with cleft palate. Patient has a history of previous mild airway problems. In addition to this problem, we speculate that Furlow technique involves more extensive surgical dissection than other techniques may increase risk for upper airway obstruction. Awareness of this risk permits identifying those patients prior to surgery so that they can be monitored and managed properly, minimizing the likelihood of major complications or possibility of death.