Hypopharynx injury in anterior cervical discectomy: Failure of surgical repair: Case report

Hypopharynx injury is a very rare complication of the anterior cervical spine surgery. It is imperative that the complication is managed appropriately with a multidisciplinary approach. In this case, 52 year old male patient underwent C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 anterior cervical microdiscectomy with interbody fusion and anterior cervical plate surgery. Patient was discharged on the postoperative day 2 with full recovery. During the first follow up at week 1, the patient was found to have leakage of sputum from the incision line. Radiological imaging studies revealed a hypopharynx fistula.