Ludwig’s Angina - A Night Mare : Our Experience

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Patients with ludwig's angina present challenging airways for anesthesiologist and may die as a result of inability to manage the airway effectively. Successful airway management is critical, but a safe method to control the airway in these patients is yet to be established. METHODS: We retrospectively studied airway management techniques used in 17 patients of Ludwig's Angina, who required surgical drainage over a period of 12 months from January 2010 to December 2010. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients studied, 13 patients were intubated tracheally while 4 patients needed surgical tracheostomy for maintenance of airway. Two patients were intubated using fiberoptic intubation scope, while 11 patients were successfully intubated by direct laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Sound clinical judgement is critical for timing and for selecting the method for airway intervention.