Role of Regional Blocks in Awake Intubation in Emergency Airway Managements in Mandibular Hypoplasia or Ankylosis

Abstract

Awake intubation is the choice for airway management in anticipated difficult airway (DA), which means establishing airway without induction of deep sedation; however, in cases where sedation is precarious, decision in emergency situations, success in awake intubation is dependent on proper regional airway block. A 21 year old man with bilateral temporo-mandibular ankyolosis and a 25 years old female with mandibular hypoplasia suspected of having Pierre Robin syndrome were candidate for elective facial plastic surgery. Case one was intubated by flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and case two with retrograde intubation. In DA with mandibular problem, awake intubation is indicated under regional airway block and topicalization.

Keywords

• regional
• awake
• intubation
• mandible
• ankylosis