Retrograde Intubation for Airway Management of Firearm Injury in the Maxillofacial Region

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation is one of the most important anaesthetic skills. Trauma to the maxillofacial region is challenging in terms of airway management. Airway management in such patients is difficult and decides the survival of the patient. Endotracheal intubation in patients with difficult ventilation and difficult intubation always remains a challenge, especially in the absence of a flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope. The retrograde catheter technique is an acceptable option for airway management in cases where oral intubation is not possible because of difficult airway or is not recommended because of fear of dislodgement of fractured segments of facial bones. The author here reports a case of a 30-year-old male with firearm injury in maxillofacial region posted for emergency surgery with anticipated difficult airway. Emergency retrograde intubation was done for the management of airway with successful outcome.