Open AccessPredicted impossible mask ventilation in a patient with giant rhinophyma
Author(s) -
Bennett James,
Webb Philippa,
Ahmad Imran,
Hopkins Claire
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
anaesthesia cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2396-8397
DOI - 10.21466/ac.pimviap.2013
Subject(s) - rhinophyma , medicine , intubation , anesthesia , ventilation (architecture) , surgery , engineering , mechanical engineering , rosacea , dermatology , acne
Summary We describe the safe management of a patient with a giant rhinophyma requiring surgical debulking of the nasal tumour. Anaesthetic management incorporated an awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) as an effective facemask seal, and therefore bag/valve/mask ventilation, was predicted to be unachievable. We suggest that this is the safest approach to maintain oxygenation when difficult facemask ventilation is anticipated post anaesthetic induction.