Predicted impossible mask ventilation in a patient with giant rhinophyma

Abstract

SummaryWe describe the safe management of a patient with a giant rhinophyma requiring surgical debulking of the nasal tumour. Anaesthetic management incorporated an awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) as an effective facemask seal, and therefore bag/valve/mask ventilation, was predicted to be unachievable. We suggest that this is the safest approach to maintain oxygenation when difficult facemask ventilation is anticipated post anaesthetic induction.