Airway Challenges in Thyroid Surgery

Authors

  •   Safiya I. Shaikh Departments of Anesthesiology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka
  •   Bheemas B. Atlapure Anaesthesia, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka

Keywords:

Awake intubation, difficult airway, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, huge goiter, tracheomalacia

Abstract

Huge goiters can lead to tracheal compression and, hence, difficulty in endotracheal intubation. This along with retro‑sternal extension makes it an anticipated difficult airway scenario. In this report, we present a case of huge goiter (papillary carcinoma) compromising the airway, which presented with difficult airway for total thyroidectomy. CT scan of neck revealed retro‑sternal extension with the pretracheal plane fixed to the trachea. Trachea was completely pushed to the right. We successfully performed an awake direct laryngoscopy and successful intubation by locally anesthetizing the airway. Plan B was ready with fiberoptic bronchoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy. Patient was successfully extubated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

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Published

2015-01-01

How to Cite

Shaikh, S. I., & Atlapure, B. B. (2015). Airway Challenges in Thyroid Surgery. Karnataka Anaesthesia Journal, 1(1), 28–30. Retrieved from http://karnatakaanesthesiajournal.in/index.php/kaj/article/view/139214

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 1, January - March 2015

Section

Case Reports

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