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Utility of the Awake Video Laryngoscopy Assisted Fibreoptic Intubation Technique in Maxillofacial Gunshot Injury - A
Ashwini Reddy1, Rajeev Bansal1, Narender Kaloria1
1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Rationale:
Maxillofacial gunshot injury leads to significant soft tissue and bone defects, which compromise airway patency, thus posing a challenge for the anaesthesiologist. The utility of the videolaryngoscopy-assisted fibreoptic intubation (VAFI) technique in maxillofacial gunshot injury has not yet been described in the literature.
Patient Concerns:
We report the case of a young male presenting with extensive maxillofacial wounds with fractures of the bilateral maxilla, mandible and floor of orbit secondary to self-inflicted gunshot injury.
Diagnosis:
Major peri-operative concerns included anticipated difficult airway, control of potential haemorrhage and airway oedema.
Treatment:
A flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope used in combination with a video laryngoscope was used to successfully secure the airway.
Outcome:
He was extubated on the same day and discharged after two weeks.
Take-Away Lessons:
The current case highlights the safe and effective use of the videolaryngoscopy-assisted fibreoptic intubation technique in maxillofacial gunshot injury.
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