CHALLENGES IN DIFFICULT AIRWAY MANAGEMENT - AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN A CASE OF PROLONGED ENLARGED THYROID GLAND (STRUMA PERMAGNA)

Abstract

Preoperative identification of patients with difficult airway is of vital importance in order to avoid unnecessary risks posed - to patients. Tracheal intubation in a patient with tracheal deviation and/or compression is challenging. Difficult airway management is of paramount priority to the anesthesiologist and also to the surgeon. Failure to oxygenate or ventilate the patient’s lungs during anesthesia can quite rapidly and predictably lead to brain damage or death. Proper preoperative airway assessment, preparation and skillful management reduce the morbidity and mortality in difficult airway cases involving thyroid enlargement.