Predictive Factors of Difficult Intubation in Post Burn Neck Contracture – A Study of 30 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

The peri-operative management of post-burn contractures of the neck is a challenge not only to the surgeon but also the anaesthesiologist. A proper coordination between them is needed for providing a hassle-free patient care. This is a prospective study done on 30 consecutive patients of post burn contractures of the neck to compare the surgeon's assessment of the type and pattern of post-burn contracture of the neck and the anaesthesiologist's assessment of the airway. The association of this with the peri-operative management of patients was also studied. The data analysed was type of contracture, mento-sternal distance, and preoperative grading of the airway. The method of securing intra-operative airway was documented. A direct co-relation was noted between the type of contracture with the Mallampatti grading of the airway and the sterno-mental distance. All type III contractures required release before intubation. In conclusion, it is advisable for the surgeon to be well-versed with the anaesthesiologist's assessment of the airway and the anaesthesiologist to aware of the types of neck contracture in order to properly plan and execute the peri-operative management of these patients.