Airway management using laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in a patient in a lateral decubitus position: A case report

Rationale: Airway management of patients in a lateral decubitus position (LDP), who cannot lie supine is challenging for anesthesiologists. In a previous study, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was found to be superior to conventional endotracheal intubation in LDP. Patient Concerns: A 38-year-old man diagnosed with type I neurofibromatosis presented with pain caused by a large hematoma (28 × 8 cm) located in the left upper back. On arrival at the operating theater, he was in a right LDP because of the aggravation of pain in the supine position. Diagnoses: Laryngoscopy-guided endotracheal intubation was expected to be difficult in LDP. Interventions: After the induction of anesthesia, a non-inflatable LMA was introduced into the laryngopharynx with the patient in LDP. He was then maneuvered into a supine position and removal of the LMA was followed by endotracheal intubation. Outcomes: The surgery for the removal of the hematoma was performed in a prone position. The airway intubated with an endotracheal tube was well maintained during the entire surgery. Lessons: LMA is a useful device for airway management in patients in LDP who cannot lie supine.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research