Difficult Airways – prediction and management

Overview

Difficult intubation is uncommon and fortunately the “can’t ventilate can’t intubate“ scenario is extremely rare (1 : 5000). However both remain important causes of anaesthesia-related mortality and morbidity. The ability to predict problems results in improved outcome but sadly our methods remain to date disappointing in accuracy. A number of algorithms have now been developed to guide the physician meeting a difficult airway in predicted or unexpected circumstances. There are many basic and advanced techniques of airway management that anaesthetists should be competent to perform after training. Fibreoptic intubation remains probably the “gold standard” for management of the anticipated difficult airway.

Key words:
intubation endotracheal – difficult airway management – laryngeal mask – fibreoptic intubation