Cryoprobe as a novel tool in difficult airway management for trans-oral robotic surgery

Abstract

A difficult airway scenario is every anaesthesiologist’s nightmare. We present a unique case of difficult airway where a cryoprobe was used to clear the path for securing the airway in a cancer patient, where established difficult airway tools like fibreoptic bronchoscope and videolaryngoscope failed. We could pull the giant slippery polyp downwards and laterally with the help of cryoprobe, to facilitate tracheal intubation. Trans-oral robotic surgery, done for removing cancerous growths from difficult to reach areas of the oral cavity, has revolutionised the field of head and neck cancer surgery. With advances in surgical technology, anaesthesiologists must also be prepared to handle the challenges posed, especially when it comes to managing difficult airways.