Anaesthesia for goitre surgery: A review

Abstract

Goitres are relatively common and, in extreme cases, present unique challenges (particularly in airway management) for the anaesthetist. There are no specific guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society (United Kingdom) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists for the management of the obstructed airway. We therefore present the principles governing the provision of safe anaesthesia for goitre surgery including formulating a plan ABC for patients with a stable airway and for those presenting with acute airway obstruction.