Anaesthesia for a huge goitre

Anaesthesia for goitre surgery: A review

Goitres are relatively common and, in extreme cases, present unique challenges (particularly in airway management) for the anaesthetist. There are no specific guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society (United Kingdom) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists for the management of the obstructed airway. We therefore present the principles governing the provision of safe anaesthesia for goitre surgery including formulating a plan ABC for patients with a stable airway and for those presenting with acute airway obstruction.

Thyroid disease

In summary, disease of the thyroid gland is common. Anaesthetists will be required to manage patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and those requiring thyroidectomy. Since anaesthesia for thyroidectomy provides many challenges of airway management, the anaesthetist should pay particular attention to preoperative assessment of the airway and should be able to deal with acute airway complications in the perioperative phase.