Author(s):
1. Ashani Ratnayake:
Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya,,Sri Lanka
2. Saman Nanayakkara:
Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya,,Sri Lanka
3. Manjula Herath:
Base Hospital Diyathalawa,,Sri Lanka
Abstract:
Difficult airway is a common problem encountered in oro-maxillo-facial surgeries. We describe a case where a displaced mandibular reconstruction plate obstructing the access to oral cavity. The airway was further compromised by previous tracheostomy, and limited neck extension owing to previous surgeries and radiotherapy. The inability of the patient to swallow increased the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The first line of airway management in such patient should be fibro-optic laryngoscopy. However, one must have alternative plans for securing airway if there are expected difficulties with fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Such plans were made considering her clinical presentation. We believe this case highlights the importance of pre-planning the strategies for airway management according to the presentation. The anesthetist must think about and plan about alternative arrangements for securing airway. Besides essential equipment expert help even from other specialties, e.g., ENT may be required.
Page(s):
139-141
Published:
Journal: Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, Volume: 27, Issue: 1, Year: 2023
Keywords:
Difficult airway
,
fiberoptic intubation
,
Oromaxillaryfacial surgeries
,
Mandibular reconstruction
References:
References are not available for this document.
Citations
Citations are not available for this document.