Sudden airway obstruction during emergence from general anesthesia in a post-radiation nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient with lower cranial nerve injury: A case report

This article presents a case study of airway obstruction encountered during the post-anesthetic recovery period in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who had suffered cranial nerve damage subsequent to radiation therapy. It underscores the necessity for meticulous preoperative preparation during the induction of anesthesia and a comprehensive assessment coupled with careful preparation prior to extubation in the recovery phase. These measures are crucial to guarantee the safety of perioperative anesthesia in such patients. The case report is intended to contribute to the clinical knowledge base for anesthesiologists managing patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who have experienced post-radiation cranial nerve impairment. This case report has been meticulously crafted in compliance with the CARE (Case Reports) guideline, ensuring a standardized and rigorous approach to presenting the patient's medical history, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.