Awake tracheal intubation for blunt airway trauma

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Blunt neck trauma can cause laryngeal fractures, potentially leading to airway compromise.
• Early recognition and management are crucial for preventing severe airway obstruction.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old male experienced blunt neck trauma from a mechanical fall, resulting in a left cricoarytenoid complex laryngeal fracture.
• Initial presentation showed no acute airway compromise, but progressive edema necessitated tracheal intubation.

Findings:

• The patient underwent awake oral tracheal intubation using a flexible bronchoscope.
• This procedure facilitated a subsequent tracheostomy under general anesthesia.
• The case underscores challenges in managing airway trauma without immediate need for emergency intubation.

Implications:

• This case illustrates effective airway management strategies for blunt laryngeal trauma.
• It provides insights into the advantages and disadvantages of different airway techniques in complex trauma cases.
• Optimal decision-making in non-emergency airway trauma is critical for patient outcomes.