Case study: Managing a case of ankylosing spondylitis for inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

A 55-year-old man diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis presented for inguinal hernia repair. The patient was found to have limited neck movement, thoracic kyphosis and restrictive lung disease. Surgery was performed under hernia block, which was inadequate. General anaesthesia was then administered and airway patency was maintained with an endotracheal tube used as a nasopharyngeal airway.