Endotracheal Tube Kinking in the Prone Position during Pediatric Neurosurgery: A Case Report

Laura E Gilbertson1,2, Michael Morgan3, Humphrey V Lam1,2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Insights

Pediatric patients in the prone position may experience endotracheal tube kinking, a rare but serious complication. Anesthesiologists should consider reinforced tubes or nasotracheal intubation to prevent this during neck flexion.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Prone positioning in pediatric anesthesia presents challenges including injury prevention, airway security, and access.
  • Endotracheal tube kinking is a rarely discussed but significant risk during prone procedures in children.

Observation:

  • A case report details anesthetic management for a pediatric patient undergoing posterior fossa mass resection in the prone position.
  • The patient experienced endotracheal tube kinking during the procedure.

Findings:

  • Endotracheal tube kinking is a potential risk in pediatric patients undergoing surgery in the prone position with significant neck flexion.
  • Awareness and preventative strategies are crucial for pediatric anesthesiologists.

Implications:

  • Reinforced endotracheal tubes or nasotracheal intubation are recommended to mitigate the risk of intraoperative tube kinking.
  • This highlights the need for vigilance regarding airway complications in prone pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract

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