[Unexpected difficult intubation caused by a laryngeal web]

Masui. 2000 Nov;49(11):1278-80.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We report a case of unexpected difficult intubation in an adult caused by a laryngeal web. A 43-year-old woman with uterine myoma was scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy. After induction of anesthesia, the vocal cords were seen clearly under laryngoscopy. Although intubation was attempted several times, a 6.5 mm internal diameter tracheal tube could not be passed below the level of the vocal cords because of resistance, and we used a laryngeal mask during anesthesia. Next morning after the operation, she developed dyspnea. Bronchoscopy revealed a very narrow airway below the level of vocal cords caused by a laryngeal web. Tracheostomy was performed. Two weeks later, tracheostomy was closed without any sequela.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery
  • Anesthesia, General
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Care*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal*
  • Laryngeal Masks
  • Larynx / abnormalities*
  • Leiomyoma / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Tracheostomy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / surgery