Awake Retrograde Intubation as a Practical Alternative to Fiberoptic Techniques in Cases of Severe Mouth Opening Limitation
Abstract
In instances with a complicated airway and limited mouth opening, retrograde intubation is a feasible option for airway management when a fiberoptic bronchoscope is inaccessible. This case illustrates the successful management of an airway challenge in a 54-year-old male patient weighing 45 kg, who presented with a mandibular fracture along with extensive trismus, employing a retrograde, guide-assisted intubation approach. In such scenarios, the primary goals are to safeguard sufficient oxygenation while minimizing airway injury.
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[2] Henderson JJ, Popat MT, Latto IP, Pearce AC. Difficult Airway Society guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult intubation. Anaesthesia. 2004; 59(7):675-94.
[3] Vadepally AK, Sinha R, Kumar AV. Retrograde intubation through nasal route in patients with limited mouth opening undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2018; 8(1):30-4.
[4] Kellman RM, Losquadro WD. Comprehensive airway management of patients with maxillofacial trauma. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2008; 1(1):39-47.
[5] Dhara SS. Retrograde tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia. 2009; 64(10):1094-104.
[6] Crosby ET, Cooper RM, Douglas MJ, Doyle DJ, Hung OR, Labrecque P, et al. The unanticipated difficult airway with recommendations for management. Can J Anaesth. 1998; 45(8):757-76.
[2] Henderson JJ, Popat MT, Latto IP, Pearce AC. Difficult Airway Society guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult intubation. Anaesthesia. 2004; 59(7):675-94.
[3] Vadepally AK, Sinha R, Kumar AV. Retrograde intubation through nasal route in patients with limited mouth opening undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2018; 8(1):30-4.
[4] Kellman RM, Losquadro WD. Comprehensive airway management of patients with maxillofacial trauma. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2008; 1(1):39-47.
[5] Dhara SS. Retrograde tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia. 2009; 64(10):1094-104.
[6] Crosby ET, Cooper RM, Douglas MJ, Doyle DJ, Hung OR, Labrecque P, et al. The unanticipated difficult airway with recommendations for management. Can J Anaesth. 1998; 45(8):757-76.
| Files | ||
| Issue | Article in Press |
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| Section | Case Report(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Retrograde intubation Difficult airway fiberoptic intubation | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Bhatia J, Wadikar P. Awake Retrograde Intubation as a Practical Alternative to Fiberoptic Techniques in Cases of Severe Mouth Opening Limitation. Arch Anesth & Crit Care. 2026;.
