Challenges of Airway Management in Patients with a History of Total Laryngectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

A 45-year-old male patient was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and was scheduled for total thyroidectomy. Three months before, he had undergone laryngeal surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Before the operation, an internal consultation was performed, and no respiratory or cardiac complications were reported. Upon visiting Besat Hospital, the patient's vital signs were stable. Establishing a safe airway due to tracheostomy breathing was a challenge. But after consultation with the anesthesia team, the endotracheal tube was successfully inserted. This surgery lasted for 5.5 hours smoothly and without complications. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit after the operation and was discharged in a stable condition after recovery.