Anaesthesia Management in a Case of Ludwig’s Angina With Difficult Airway Managed by Emergency Tracheostomy

Abstract

Severe neck infections present significant challenges for anesthesiologists due to the complexities associated with managing difficult airways. Ludwig's angina, a rapidly progressing infection of the submandibular space, exemplifies these challenges due to the high risk of airway obstruction. This case report details an emergency procedure performed to drain Ludwig's angina, highlighting the difficulties encountered and the strategies employed. Awake fiberoptic intubation is demonstrated as an effective approach for maintaining the airway during such operations. The report underscores the critical nature of quick and effective management, emphasizing the importance of readiness for interventions such as tracheostomy in cases where oxygen saturation drops, thereby ensuring patient safety in precarious situations.