PROBLEMS IN THE RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE TRAUMATIZED AIRWAY

Abstract

Traumatic disruption of the bony, cartilaginous, and soft-tissue components of the airway may be so severe and so apparent as to make it obvious that, indeed, the airway is compromised, and adequate ventilation is jeopardized. Contrariwise, apparently minor damage to the soft tissues of the face may mask serious disruption of the facial skeleton and troublesome problems in airway management. The anesthesiologist faced with airway trauma must be able to develop an anesthetic management plan based upon knowledge of the anatomy of the airway, mechanisms of trauma to the airway, techniques for diagnosis of the compromised airway, frequent concomitant complications, techniques for securing the airway, mechanisms for maintaining adequate ventilation even when definitive control cannot be obtained, and the specific indications and contraindications for anesthetic agents and techniques.