Getting it right first time: time to simplify our approach to the airway by using our best tools first

Abstract

Deciding on the techniques and equipment to use when managing a patient’s airway during anaesthesia is a complex process. It is influenced by many factors, including the type of surgery being undertaken, patient co-morbidities, perceived risk of airway difficulty or pulmonary aspiration and the availability of more advanced equipment. While there are many guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult airway, there are few if any for routine airway management. It is likely that current practices are heavily influenced by national and institutional norms, personal experiences and preferences of the individual anaesthetist involved.