Successful airway management of twin coincidental supraglottic and thyroid masses with difficult fiber optic intubation: a case report

Abstract

Background Aberrant airway anatomy in cases of laryngeal carcinomas makes airway management a herculean task for the anesthesiologist. What can further compound the situation is an external compression by thyroid mass. Case presentation We present a case report of successful airway management by awake nasal fiberoptic intubation in a 65-year-old male who was found to have compressive symptoms due to thyroid swelling in addition to supraglottic obstructive mass. Although a detailed airway examination and indirect laryngoscope did assist in planning the procedure, but what lay inside could only be dealt with by having an in-depth orientation of airway anatomy, practical know-how to fiberoptic scope, and swift reflexes to prevent an adverse event. Conclusion From our experience, fiberoptic intubation can only be optimally utilized if emphasis is laid on planning and preparation for the procedure which are key elements in making any difficult airway management successful.