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Airway oedema after prone spine surgery — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardNeurosurgical AnaesthesiaAirway oedema after prone spine surgeryFRCA Final

A 66-year-old woman is extubated after long prone spinal surgery. In recovery she has facial oedema, hoarse voice and increasing work of breathing. The operation lasted nine hours with large crystalloid administration and the airway was difficult at induction. What is the most appropriate anaesthetic technique?

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Correct answer: C — Re-intubate early with senior airway support before complete obstruction develops

Postoperative airway oedema after prolonged prone surgery can progress rapidly, especially after a known difficult airway. Early senior-supported re-intubation is safer than waiting for complete obstruction. Observation on the ward is inappropriate with increasing work of breathing. Planning for extubation is a high-risk airway intervention, not a routine endpoint.

Reference: DAS extubation guideline; NACCS neuroanaesthesia guidance