Safe tubeless anaesthesia for laryngeal surgery in a patient with a known difficult airway

Abstract

Patients with a difficult airway provide a challenge for both anaesthetists and surgeons during laryngeal surgery. We describe a novel technique in the anaesthetic management of a 58-year-old male with a known difficult airway who required tubeless anaesthesia for laryngeal surgery. By utilising an airway exchange catheter as an adjunct during tubeless anaesthesia, we were able to safely manage the airway and ventilation in addition to providing a tubeless surgical field. Our experience has prompted us to consider its use more frequently during laryngeal surgery where a difficult airway is anticipated or encountered.