Total airway obstruction with neck extension: Airway management of a patient with pharyngeal tumor

Abstract

Airway obstruction with the induction of anesthesia in children is common. Normally, neck extension with jaw thrust improves the airway. Flexion typically completes the obstruction. With the presence of a pharyngeal tumor, these relationships may not be the same. We present a case of complete airway obstruction with neck extension in the presence of a nasopharyngeal tumor. Flexion rather than extension of the neck relieved this airway obstruction. We highly recommend radiologic studies with neck extension and flexion in such cases.