Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Vocal Cord Palsies

Abstract

Respiratory distress associated with vocal cord palsy can be attributed to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Bilateral vocal cord palsy can cause adduction of cords and respiratory distress. Airway, in these patients, can be compromised and result in unanticipated difficult intubation. The time frame to pass tube in such situations are less. This is a case series on successful airway management of three patients who presented with recurrent nerve palsy and airway obstruction. Thus the “cannot intubate-cannot oxygenate” situation was avoided in all the patients.