Difficult airway management for the anaesthetist

Abstract

This article reviews the key considerations when managing a patient with a difficult airway. The difficult airway may be anticipated from preassessment allowing time for investigations and preparation. Alternatively, the unanticipated difficult airway can present in an emergency situation, or unexpectedly during a routine anaesthetic. The main airway management techniques are discussed with a description of their advantages and limitations. Current guidelines are included that demonstrate how the techniques are incorporated into an overall strategy with a plan A–D when failure occurs. It is critical to progress through such an algorithm in a timely manner to prevent the onset of hypoxia.