Airway management of a huge thyroid mass: A case report

Abstract

In large thyroidal masses with excessive tracheal shift, the laryngeal opening is usually in the normal position and intubation may not be difficult. However, in some cases, such as retrosternal big thyroid glands, airway management can get challenging. Failure to successfully manage difficult airways is responsible for 30% of deaths attributed to anesthesia, with approximately 600 deaths annually. Successful awake intubation can be performed in 88-100% by considering the appropriate position and experience of anesthesiologist with a fiberoptic bronchoscope. However, the path to be followed should be determined according to each patient.