[Case of unexpected difficult intubation caused by asymptomatic congenital laryngeal web]

Abstract

We report a case of unexpected difficult intubation in a patient with an asymptomatic congenital laryngeal web. A 44-year-old female with left ovarian tumor and endometrial polyp was scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy under general anesthesia. With aid of laryngoscopy using Macintosh laryngoscope, we attempted to place a tracheal tube (ID 7.5 mm and 7.0 mm), but could not perform instrumentation because of the resistance against the tube just under the vocal cord. We visualized the glottic opening through the Airway Scope and found a membranous lesion at the ventral side of the glottis, diagnosing a congenital laryngeal web. We finally could insert a tracheal tube of ID 6.5 mm into the dorsal side of the glottis. Airway Scope may be a useful device for unexpected difficult tracheal intubation.