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Updated: May 24, 2026
04:46
A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Can we predict a difficult intubation in cleft lip/palate patients?
Isabelle Arteau-Gauthier1, Jacques E Leclerc, Audrey Godbout
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Laval University, Quebec, QC.
Summary
Infants with Pierre Robin sequence face a higher risk of difficult intubation. Early airway and feeding issues are key predictors in this group, alongside wider clefts in palate-only cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Difficult intubation poses risks in infants undergoing cleft lip/palate surgery.
- Predicting intubation difficulty is crucial for patient safety and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of difficult endotracheal intubation in infants with cleft lip/palate.
- To assess the impact of specific anatomical and clinical factors on intubation grade.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 145 infants with cleft lip/palate.
- Evaluation of clinical and lip/palate anatomical parameters.
- Assessment of intubation grade during surgical repair.
Main Results:
- Pierre Robin sequence significantly increased intubation difficulty (23% relative risk).
- Early airway and feeding problems were strong predictors (p < .0001).
- Wider clefts in palate-only cases also predicted higher intubation grade (p = .0323).
Conclusions:
- Infants with Pierre Robin sequence have a significantly higher risk of difficult intubation.
- Early airway/feeding problems are the best predictors in Pierre Robin sequence infants.
- Cleft width is a significant predictor in infants with cleft palate but no cleft lip.
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