Difficult airway management with bonfils fiberscope in case of emergency: acute abdomen with ileus

Abstract

This clinical report describes an emergency case of a 49-year-old man, ASA E III status, with clinical symptoms of acute abdomen and ileus, who was scheduled for urgent surgery. Predictors of difficult intubation (Mallampati test Class III, short thyro-mental (< 6 cm) and sterno-mental distance (<10 cm) with limited mouth opening (inter-incisor gap < 3 cm) were associated with significant comorbidity (rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, obesity (body mass index 32.6 kg m-2), cervical spine mobility and generalized vascular disease). A specialist experienced in airway management decided on one attempt of Bonfils fiberoptic intubation as primary intervention and urgent tracheotomy, if needed, as secondary intervention. Immediately after assuming supine position on the operating table, the patient lost consciousness and cardiac arrest developed. Successful intubation with oxygenation was followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon stabilization of the patient's vital functions, urgent surgery was performed. In the emergency case presented, we succeeded quickly to secure the airway with Bonfils fiberoptic intubation, which allowed for appropriate oxygenation and starting resuscitation. The high risk of the possible aspiration was avoided by timely provision of airway in the experienced anesthetist's hands.