Difficult intubation in a patient with vallecular cyst

Singapore Med J. 2013 Mar;54(3):e62-5. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2013059.

Abstract

Although rare, vallecular cysts can have catastrophic consequences in an anaesthetised patient if airway management is inappropriate. We report a case of difficult intubation in a 46-year-old man with a vallecular cyst, and detail the methods and strategies for successful endotracheal tube insertion. Following a review of the current literature, we also discuss airway management options in adult patients with vallecular cysts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Management
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery*
  • Anesthesiology / methods*
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Diseases / surgery*
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged