[Current practice of pediatric airway management]

Abstract

Recent advances in pediatric airway management contribute to a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality in pediatric anesthesia. This article reviews the current concept of routine and difficult pediatric airway with special emphasis on preoperative pediatric airway assessment. Newly introduced airway devices designed for pediatric patients may facilitate ventilation and intubation although their efficacy and safety profiles in routine and difficult situations remain undetermined. Based on the pediatric protocol recently published by the Difficult Airway Society (DAS), we discuss structured algorithms for unanticipated difficult pediatric airway. Simulation technology will aid acquisition and retention of pediatric airway management skills.