Jeong H, Chae M, Seo H, Yi JW, Kang JM, Lee BJ. Face-to-face intubation using a lightwand in a patient with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis: a case report.
BMC Anesthesiol 2018;
18:92. [PMID:
30031381 PMCID:
PMC6054848 DOI:
10.1186/s12871-018-0556-y]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Severe deformity of the thoracolumbar spine may cause difficulty in airway management during induction of anesthesia. Therefore, special attention must be devoted to patient safety.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 65-year-old male with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis was scheduled to undergo posterior spinal fusion under general anesthesia. Due to his inability to lie supine, conventional tracheal intubation under direct laryngoscopy was difficult. Alternatively, face-to-face tracheal intubation using a lightwand in the semi-recumbent position was performed. Intubation was successful on the first attempt without any complications.
CONCLUSIONS
The face-to-face intubation technique using a lightwand is one of several alternative techniques for tracheal intubation in patients who cannot lie supine.
Collapse