Retrosternal Goitre-An Anaesthetic Challenge
UD01-UD03
Correspondence
Dr. Shilpa A Naik,
Dhruva Residency, Yekkur, Near Fisheries College, Mangalore-575002, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: shilpa8c@gmail.com
Airway management of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Retrosternal Goitre (RSG) poses a unique challenge. Associated co-morbidities, manipulation of the airway by the surgeons, airway compromise during induction, intubation, intraoperative and post-operative period can contribute to adverse events. We describe anaesthetic management of a patient with long standing goitre for 61 years with retrosternal extension with tracheal narrowing and compression for thyroidectomy. We secured the airway in an awake, spontaneously breathing patient under topical anaesthesia and sedation using direct laryngoscopy. Airway management of RSG is challenging at every phase of anaesthesia. Maintaining airway patency, vigilance and preparedness are keys to the success of intubation.