Challenging airway in a postmandibulectomy patient for carcinoma of the buccal mucosa undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Failure to secure the airway after administration of induction agent in a postmandibulectomy patient can lead to life-threatening complications; hence, recognising a difficult airway is of immense importance. Preoperative airway evaluation includes, but is not limited to, inter-incisor gap, modified Mallampati grading, neck movement, neck circumference, thyromental distance, sterno-mental distance, upper lip bite test and dental status. This case signifies the challenge encountered in securing the airway and the importance of thorough preoperative airway evaluation and preparedness before induction of anaesthesia in a postmandibulectomy patient for carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.

Keywords: Anaesthesia; Head and neck surgery; Oral and maxillofacial surgery.