Navigating Challenges During Airway Management and Anesthetic Considerations in a Patient with a Supraglottic Mass: Integrating Anesthesiologists and Otolaryngologist Expertise

Abstract

Introduction: Managing patients undergoing head and neck surgeries necessitates meticulous evaluation, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts with surgical teams. This approach is crucial to mitigate perioperative complications and optimize patient safety. Rationale: Expert navigation of the challenging airway in these patients, particularly in the perioperative period, is essential to significantly reduce the risks of morbidity and mortality associated with such complex conditions. Patient Concerns and Diagnosis: The patient presented with a supraglottic mass extending into the epiglottis space, posing significant anesthetic challenges to airway management. Outcomes: A surgical airway was established via tracheostomy. Postoperatively, the patient was monitored in the intensive care unit for further management and was subsequently discharged to commence chemoradiotherapy. The tracheostomy tube remained in place at the time of discharge. Lessons: This case underscored our commitment to enhancing expertise in airway management for patients with oral cancer. Our experience contributes valuable insights to the evolving field of airway management in complex head and neck surgeries.