Airway management in patients with neck burn contracture

Abstract

Airway management is an important aspect during reconstructive surgeries of patients with postburn contracture (PBC) due to significant morbidity and mortality associated with it. The standard recommendations by the American Society of Anesthesiologists for Difficult Airway Management may not be appropriate for these patients due to the high risk of intubation failure and airway crisis. With recent advancements, many techniques and devices have been used successfully in patients with PBC of the head and neck. This article focuses on various barriers faced during the airway management of such patients along with common techniques to overcome them.