Case Presentation: “A 60-year-old male has been in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) for 6 hours with a slowly expanding neck hematoma following an uneventful left carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia.”

“Once airway compromise from any cause has been identified, the postsurgical patient should be observed in a high-dependency nursing unit. A decision on definitive care should occur early, while patient cooperation allows the option of awake tracheal intubation. More information on how to proceed most safely with reintubation can be obtained with an internal airway exam (e.g., nasopharyngoscopy) if the patient’s condition permits.”

Law, J. Adam, and Kitt Turney. “Airway Management of the Patient with a Neck Hematoma.” Hung’s Difficult and Failed Airway Management, 3e Eds. Orlando R. Hung, and Michael F. Murphy. McGraw-Hill Education, 2017 Emory Users click here to access full chapter.