Interdisziplinäres Vorgehen bei nicht traumatischen Notfällen im Bereich der HNO-Heilkunde

Abstract

Life threatening emergency situations are common events in the upper aerodigestive tract region. Leading symptoms are dyspnea, stridor, dysphagia and haemorrhage. Relevant causes for the different leading symptoms are illustrated, followed by a detailed description of each symptom, including diagnostics and treatment strategies. The article addresses both, emergency physicians as well as ENT-specialists comprising an overview of major emergencies that may occur in the upper aerodigestive tract region. Treatment options especially for the most frequent emergencies, i.e. acute airway obstruction and acute haemorrhage, respectively, are presented and evaluated. Due to the pivotal significance of a secured airway in many of the ENT-emergencies, the management of difficult intubation situations is discussed in detail. Moreover, the optimal interdisciplinary treatment strategy in the presence of severe complications is described. Standardised interdisciplinary collaboration of anaesthesiologists and emergency physicians is pivotal in the management of emergencies affecting the region of the upper aerodigestive tract.