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Role of cricothyroid cannulation in head and neck surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 February 2008

J C Ryan  and
B McGuire
J C Ryan*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
B McGuire
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesia, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr J Ryan, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, 201 Great King Street Dunedin, New Zealand. Fax: +64 3 4747956 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives:

This paper outlines our use of cricothyroid cannulation in those patients undergoing head and neck surgery in whom a ‘difficult airway’ is anticipated. Audit results are presented.

Materials and methods:

Prospective data collection for all patients undergoing cricothyroid cannulation for management of head and neck neoplasms, over a two-year period.

Results:

Thirty-nine cricothyroid cannulae were sited in 32 patients. All patients with laryngeal tumours underwent the procedure while awake, prior to the anticipated difficult intubation, and the cannulae were removed within six hours. Most cannulations performed under general anaesthetic were for anticipated ‘dangerous extubations’ in patients with oral cavity tumours, and these cannulae remained in place for 24 hours. Tracheostomy was possibly avoided in six patients. No complications were identified.

Conclusion:

Cricothyroid cannulation can be a simple, safe, reliable technique which is a useful adjunct in the management of patients with a potentially difficult airway.

Keywords

Airway ObstructionTracheostomyHead and Neck Neoplasms
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 10 , October 2008 , pp. 1096 - 1099
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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