Preventing difficult facemask ventilation in children: all is well that starts well

Abstract

Difficult facemask ventilation at induction of general anaesthesia can trigger hypoxaemia and inadequate ventilation if not immediately identified and adequately treated. For this reason, identification of predisposing conditions before induction of anaesthesia and causes of poor facemask ventilation are critical to avoid the subsequent complications. In a recently published secondary analysis of the Paediatric Difficult Intubation (PeDI) registry, the incidence and risk factors for difficult facemask ventilation in children with difficult tracheal intubation was described, as highlighted in the editorial.

Keywords: airway management; complications; difficult airways; facemask ventilation; paediatric anaesthesia.