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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

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A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
21.8K
Emergency tracheostomy for failed intubation due to glottic stenosis
Tessa Yap1, Mark Quick2, Paige Moore2
1ENT/Otolaryngology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia tessa.yap@health.wa.gov.au.
BMJ Case Reports
|February 27, 2021
Summary
Glottic stenosis can complicate intubation, leading to a critical "can
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Anesthesiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Glottic stenosis is a rare but critical condition that can complicate airway management.
- Failure to recognize glottic stenosis during intubation can lead to a 'can't intubate, can't ventilate' emergency.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a patient experiencing a failed intubation due to undiagnosed glottic stenosis.
- This necessitated an emergency tracheostomy for airway management.
Findings:
- The patient successfully underwent open laryngotracheal reconstruction.
- Tracheostomy decannulation was achieved two months post-surgery, indicating successful airway restoration.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering laryngeal pathology in patients presenting with respiratory distress.
- Emphasizes the need for a structured approach to managing 'can't intubate, can't ventilate' scenarios.
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