Chapter 9 - Airway pathology in otolaryngology: anesthetic implications

Summary

This chapter discusses the minimal synopsis of selected airway pathology in terms of associated anesthetic and airway implications. The case types covered are those where awake intubation by some means is often the method of choice. Epiglottitis can occur in adults too but the situation is less dreadful because the adult airway is larger. Retropharyngeal abscess formation may occur from bacterial infection of the retropharyngeal space secondary to tonsillar or dental infections. Airway tumors can be benign or malignant, but regardless of type, suffocation from airway obstruction is always a potential concern. Nasal polyps and polyps elsewhere in the airway can lead to partial or complete airway obstruction. Patients with laryngeal papillomatosis caused by a HPV infection may require frequent application of laser treatment for attempted eradication of the papillomas. Since Ludwig's angina is often associated with trismus, nasal fiberoptic intubation is frequently needed.