Acta clinica Croatica
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2012
Case ReportsDifficult airway in advanced Bechterew's disease: case report.
Advanced Bechterew's disease presents with increasing ossification of spinal column, from lower lumbar segments upwards, first causing impossibility to place spinal block in lumbar region, and later, due to stiffness of cervical spine, difficult intubation because of inability to extend and/or flex the neck during direct laryngoscopy and intubation. Mask ventilation, on the other hand, usually is possible. ⋯ The bronchoscope passed easily down to tracheal bifurcation, but placing the endotracheal tube was unexpectedly impossible due to the consequences of broken nose the patient had suffered at the age of 8. Fiber bronchoscope was therefore retracted, and we used the Bonfils rigid fiberscope after induction of general anesthesia, achieving intubation in first attempt.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2012
Difficult airway management at Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center.
Difficult airway has gained increasing interest due to a relatively high number of adverse effects following unsuccessful intubation. Besides traditional techniques, several alternative methods are available today. ⋯ Hypoxia is one of the most frequent causes of death or severe neurologic defects in anesthesia. Therefore, it is necessary to have an easy alternative to secure the airways in critical situations.