Initial release of severe post-burn contracture scar of the neck for intubation under ketamine

Background. Severe anterior post-burn contracture (PBC) of the neck poses the anaesthesiologist some difficult problems and results in difficult intubation when extension of the atlanto-occipital joint is impaired. Such patients must therefore have the PBC scar released before other procedures are performed, in order to ensure airway control. Objectives. To show our experience with quick surgical neck release of patients with severe anterior PBC of the neck to facilitate direct laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation (OTI). Material and methods. A prospective study of patients with severe anterior PBC of the neck was carried out from January 2003 to December 2007 in the Burns Unit of Mosul Teaching Hospital in Mosul, Iraq. The patients were given ketamine, after which a release incision was made over the anterior PBC of the neck scar. OTI was then performed successfully. Results. Twelve patients with severe neck PBC (3 males, 9 females; age range, 7-37 yr; mean age, 20 yr) all had successful OTI after PBC release under intravenous ketamine. None showed any complications attributed to the anaesthesia.