Transcricothyroid injection of local anaesthesia: a serious complication

Abstract

Transcricothyroid membrane (CTM) injection of local anaesthesia is widely used during bronchoscopic procedures. It is an effective way of delivering topical anaesthesia, and has been shown to reduce patient discomfort, improve clinician satisfaction and reduce overall sedation requirements. Risks from this procedure are uncommon and usually minor. Localisation of the CTM is usually performed clinically by palpation of anatomical landmarks and can vary depending on clinician skillset and experience. Clinical identification may be less accurate compared with ultrasound guidance in identifying puncture site, however, ultrasound is not always readily available and seldom used for this purpose. This case describes a rare complication following attempted local anaesthetic infiltration into the cricothyroid space, after clinical identification of puncture site. An obstructive fluid-filled mass formed around the site of injection on the right vocal cord; resulting in airway compromise, abandonment of procedure and subsequent intubation.