Airway management in the repair of craniofacial defects

The operative repair of craniofacial defects presents the surgeon with critical problems regarding airway management. Thirty-seven per cent of our series of 100 children operated upon for a variety of cranofacial deformities had some difficulty in airway management. Those patients with mandibular dysostoses and those requiring midface advancement (Le Fort III) had the highest incidence of airway problems. Our suggested management of the airway is described with emphasis upon the importance of close cooperation between the plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist and anesthesiologist.