Special Considerations in Anesthesia for Laryngeal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

The airway is not only shared but operated upon during laryngeal cancer surgery. Patients with laryngeal cancer may require general anesthesia for diagnostic endoscopic procedures, for endolaryngeal laser surgery or for major cancer resectional surgery. This review outlines the importance of careful assessment of the airway and medical comorbidities and discusses the options for anesthetic and ventilatory management whilst ensuring a safe airway, adequate oxygenation and the best possible view of the surgical field. Laryngeal cancer surgery may improve the airway or create new problems and the need for meticulous planning, multidisciplinary input, good communication and close cooperation between all members of the team is emphasized.