COMBINED USE OF VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY AND FIBEROPTIC FOR AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN A PATIENT WITH FIXED CERVICAL SPINE

Abstract

Airway management may be difficult in patients with fixed cervical spine who have undergone previous spine surgery. Among the various techniques, fiber-optic intubation is a preferred method for securing the airway in such situation. However, it has some limitations also like identification of landmarks, especially in a case of distorted anatomy of the airway. To overcome this inadequacy, we used video laryngoscopy as a complement, to guide the tip of bronchoscope beneath the epiglottis into the trachea and thus achieving the goal. We present a case of difficult airway of fixed cervical spine with distorted anatomy in which combined use of fiberoptic and video laryngoscopy was performed to secure the airway. In our opinion, this technique can be utilized for other difficult airway case scenario also.