Recent advances in obstetric airway management--the interpretation of the first guideline for Obstetric Anesthetists Association/Difficult Airway Society obstetric difficult airway management

Abstract

Background Airway management and failed intubation in obstetric patients require unique consideration. In obstetric patients, the factors affecting airway management include anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy, environmental factors and training matters. Furthermore, obstetric operations usually are emergency surgeries, which require further attention on the safety of mother and baby. Objective To unscramble the first national UK obstetric difficult airway guideline that is recently published by the Obstetric Anesthetists Association(OAA)/Difficult Airway Society(DAS). Content This practice guideline emphasizes the importance of careful anesthesia planning, preparation, and rapid sequence induction in obstetric airway management. The management strategy to rescue intubation failure in obstetric patients is also introduced. Trend The recommendations included in the practice guideline for obstetric difficult airway management can provide a structure for teaching and training on airway management and rescuing failed intubation, with aims to bring consistency of clinical practice, reduce adverse events, and standardize clinical training and teaching. Key words: Airway management; Difficult airway; Fracheal intubation; Obstetrics