PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Tessa Yap
AU  - Mark Quick
AU  - Paige Moore
TI  - Emergency tracheostomy for failed intubation due to glottic stenosis
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2020-239806
DP  - 2021 Feb 01
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - e239806
VI  - 14
IP  - 2
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/2/e239806.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/2/e239806.full
SO  - BMJ Case Reports2021 Feb 01; 14
AB  - Glottic stenosis can be an unexpected finding during an intubation, causing difficulties that may result in a ‘can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ situation. We present a case of a patient who required an emergency tracheostomy, in the setting of a failed intubation secondary to glottic stenosis. The patient underwent open laryngotracheal reconstruction, followed by tracheostomy decannulation 2 months post-surgery. This paper highlights the importance of awareness of laryngeal pathology masquerading as respiratory conditions. It also outlines the critical approach to managing ‘can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ situations.