Unsuspected difficult intubation caused by a laryngeal web

Z. K. Chong*, B. Jawan, Y. Y. Poon, J. H. Lee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a case of unsuspected difficult intubation in an adult caused by laryngeal web formation in the anterior commissure of the larynx. After induction of anaesthesia, most parts of the posterior commissure of the vocal cords were seen clearly at laryngoscopy, but a 7.5-mm internal diameter (id) tracheal tube could not be advanced below the level of the vocal cords because of resistance. Intubation was re-attempted several times after oxygenation by mask with trials of smaller tubes. Finally, a 5.0-mm id cuffed tube was passed successfully through the vocal cords, and secured in place. Because of the unexpected difficulties in intubation, an otolaryngologist was consulted to examine the larynx with microscope. A web of 0.5 cm in the anterior commissures was found which caused subglottic stenosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)396-397
Number of pages2
JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume79
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 09 1997

Keywords

  • Complications, stenosis
  • Intubation tracheal, difficult
  • Larynx, dammage
  • Larynx, laryngoscopy

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