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What Could Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong

Question: A 2 year old boy with Down syndrome is evaluated for snoring. A polysomnogram is performed that reveals obstructive sleep apnea. The patient undergoes sleep state flexible nasolaryngoscopy, which demonstrates marked lingual tonsil hypertrophy and 2+ palatine tonsils without other areas of airway collapse. Lingual tonsillectomy is performed. What is the most common postoperative complication of this procedure?

a) Airway edema resulting in reintubation

b) Persistent OSA

c) Velopharyngeal insufficiency

d) Bleeding

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “Making The Cut” (July 20, 2020)

A - Between the 1st and 2nd tracheal rings.