Related Experiment Videos
Awake oral fibreoptic intubation for caesarean section
C J Broomhead1, W Davies, D Higgins
1Department of Anaesthetics, University College London Hospitals, The Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|July 1, 1995
Summary
An elective cesarean section was safely performed on a pregnant patient with ankylosing spondylitis using awake fiberoptic intubation. This approach managed airway challenges in a patient with spinal fusion, ensuring maternal and infant safety.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis presents significant airway management challenges in obstetric patients.
- Spinal fusion in ankylosing spondylitis precludes regional anesthesia options for cesarean delivery.
- Previous failed intubation increases anesthetic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the successful anesthetic management of a pregnant patient with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing cesarean delivery.
- To highlight the utility of awake fiberoptic intubation in high-risk obstetric patients.
Main Methods:
- Awake oral fiberoptic intubation was performed prior to induction of general anesthesia.
- General anesthesia was induced and maintained for the elective cesarean section.
- Intrauterine growth retardation necessitated the cesarean delivery at 35 weeks gestation.
Main Results:
- Successful intubation was achieved using the awake fiberoptic technique.
- The cesarean delivery resulted in a live infant.
- The mother experienced no adverse anesthetic events.
Conclusions:
- Awake fiberoptic intubation is a viable and safe technique for managing the airway in pregnant patients with ankylosing spondylitis and previous difficult intubation.
- This anesthetic strategy facilitates cesarean delivery in patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia due to spinal fusion.