Airway management in patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery: State of art review

Airway management in maxillofacial surgery is a critical aspect of anesthesia and perioperative care, demanding a broad array of techniques to ensure effective ventilation and oxygenation. The anatomical and physiological complexities of maxillofacial procedures necessitate a deep understanding of airway management strategies. Patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery often face heightened risks of airway compromise due to trauma, congenital abnormalities, or the surgical interventions themselves, requiring clinicians to be proficient in both routine and advanced techniques. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence and clinical practices in airway management for maxillofacial surgery. It examines the anatomical and physiological considerations, preoperative assessment protocols, intraoperative management, and postoperative care strategies. Preoperative assessments are crucial for identifying potential airway management difficulties, utilizing risk assessments, physical examinations, and imaging. Intraoperative strategies include endotracheal intubation while surgical techniques such as tracheostomy, cricothyroidotomy, submental, and retromolar intubation offer alternatives for securing the airway. Postoperative care focuses on meticulous planning and coordination to prevent complications such as airway obstruction and hypoxemia. Extubation is identified as a particularly high-risk phase, necessitating advanced techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure patient safety. The review underscores the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to airway management in maxillofacial surgery, highlighting the need for ongoing advancements in techniques and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.