Update on Tracheostomy and Upper Airway Considerations in the Head and Neck Cancer Patient

Grace M Wandell; Albert L Merati; Tanya K Meyer

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2021.12.005

Update on Tracheostomy and Upper Airway Considerations in the Head and Neck Cancer Patient

Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Apr;102(2):267-283. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2021.12.005. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

Authors

Grace M Wandell¹, Albert L Merati², Tanya K Meyer²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 Northeast Pacific, Suite BB1165, PO Box 356515, Seattle, WA 98195-65l5, USA. Electronic address: gracemwandell@gmail.com.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 Northeast Pacific, Suite BB1165, PO Box 356515, Seattle, WA 98195-65l5, USA.

PMID: 35344697
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2021.12.005

Abstract

Patients with head and neck cancer account for a large proportion of perioperative airway events. Further, these patients frequently require tracheostomy placement, which is one of the most common surgical procedures. This article reviews updated techniques in managing a difficult airway in patients with head and neck cancer, such as strategies for intubation/extubation, methods of tubeless laryngeal surgery, and techniques and relevant topics in tracheostomy management.

Keywords: Airway management; Difficult airway; Head and neck cancer; Tracheostomy; Tracheotomy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Head and Neck Neoplasms* / surgery
Humans
Tracheostomy*