Unexpected difficult extubation due to mechanical cause following parotidectomy: a case report

Abstract

Difficult airway management usually refers to intubation or extubation problems. We present a case report of difficult extubation, and airway management algorithm that was used in a female patient following parotidectomy. Although there are algorithms for difficult airway management, there are no recommendations for difficult extubation that is mechanically caused and where endotracheal tube cannot be easily removed. Such conditions are rarely mentioned in the literature,usually in the form of case reports. Inability to remove endotracheal tube due to mechanical causes is an urgent condition and calls for an algorithm and guidelines. The algorithm that was performed in this case went uneventfully, and the patient recovered well.