A case of radiation-induced difficult airway in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

In this report, we describe radiation-induced difficult airway management in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The patient was presented to receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stone. He had been diagnosed to have nasopharyngeal cancer about 2 years ago. In operation, after sleeping, the patient was manual controlled ventilation. However, we subsequently found that his neck campaign was limited and mask ventilation was obstructed. We immediately performed oropharyngeal airway, then mask ventilation improved. Fully surface anesthesia with tetracaine atomizing to the root of tongue, larynx wall and piriform recess, the patient was endotracheal intubated with fiberoptic bronchoscope. After intubation, the patient inhaled 2.5% sevoflurane, then esmeron (50 mg) and remifentanyl (0.1 μg/kg every minute) were administrated by intravenous. After the treatment, the patient’s life indexes were normal and steady. In conclusion, patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiation therapy should be based on comprehensive evaluation of upper airway and obstructive condition before operation, then perform safe and effective tracheal intubation methods under spontaneous breathing.