Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Fast Track Ambulatory Surgery: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2018 Sep 15;11(6):165-168. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000863.

Abstract

An increasing number of surgical procedures are performed in the ambulatory setting, leading to improved patient comfort and cost-effectiveness. Patients with suspected or known difficult airways represent a challenge when anesthetized. This may explain why this patient group may be rejected for day-case surgery. We present 3 cases scheduled for day-case procedures with predicted difficult airways, where the feasibility of awake fiberoptic intubation is demonstrated in a Scandinavian fast track setting. Our hypothesis is that, with accurate preparations, intubation times are comparable with conventional intubation and that the procedure is associated with only minor patient discomfort.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures
  • Conscious Sedation / methods*
  • Female
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Operative Time