RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Emergency tracheostomy for failed intubation due to glottic stenosis
JF BMJ Case Reports
JO BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e239806
DO 10.1136/bcr-2020-239806
VO 14
IS 2
A1 Tessa Yap
A1 Mark Quick
A1 Paige Moore
YR 2021
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/2/e239806.abstract
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.