Successful management of difficult airway: A case series

Abstract

Management of difficult airway is widely recognized as one of the important tasks of an anesthesiologist. The problems related to it are known to be primary causes of life-threatening consequences. Herewith, we present a case series of difficult airway scenarios managed successfully with different techniques and airway gadgets. The following cases were managed successfully with appropriate airway techniques: 1) Ludwig's angina for drainage with awake fiberoptic intubation, 2) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis for bilateral gap arthroplasty with fiberoptic intubation, 3) burn contractures for the release managed with intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA). Airway management is one of the vital aspects of clinical care provided by an anesthesiologist. The airway-related complications have significantly decreased due to better knowledge, skills of the anesthesiologist, and an array of airway gadgets. The three case scenarios of difficult airway were successfully managed with the appropriate airway gadgets suitable for each case without any untoward complication. Most airway problems can be solved with available gadgets and techniques, but clinical judgement borne of experience and expertise is crucial in implementing the skills in any difficult airway scenario.