Retromolar fibreoptic orotracheal intubation in a patient with severe trismus undergoing nasal surgery

Abstract

Purpose: A considerable challenge arises when passage of an endotracheal tube between the teeth is impossible because of severe trismus and the presence of concomitant contraindications to nasotracheal intubation. We report a novel technique to circumvent the need for tracheostomy by using the retromolar space for oral fibreoptic intubation. Clinical features: A 50-yr-old female with a history of pharyngeal cancers treated with surgery and radiotherapy presented for right dacryocystorhinostomy. She had undergone left dacryocystorhinostomy after nasotracheal intubation one week earlier. This time, orotracheal intubation was requested since surgery would involve the right nostril and left nasal intubation might dislodge the recently placed nasolacrimal tube. Due to severe trismus, the patient's interincisor distance was only 9 mm, and it was impossible to pass a 6.0 mm endotracheal tube through that gap. A flexible bronchoscope loaded with a 6.0 mm tracheal tube was inserted through the retromolar space into the pharynx and maneuvered through the vocal cords for endotracheal intubation. Conclusions: The retromolar space is located between the last molar and the ascending ramus of the mandible. Even with complete mandibular occlusion, it is usually able to accommodate a 7.0 mm endotracheal tube. Despite its hidden location, it can be used successfully for orotracheal fibreoptic intubation. With practice, the expertise achieved in performing this technique will confer a much needed option for securing the airway in this challenging situation. © 2011 Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.