Case Report: Anaesthetic Management of a Patient Posted for Total Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy is always a difficult surgery both for surgeon and anaesthesiologist. The condition can get worse when such patients appear with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer, requiring a definitive surgery along with thyroid gland resection. Apart from anesthetic obstacles in managing the disturbed anatomy, management of difficult airway during the perioperative period can be a huge challenging task. Carcinoma larynx creates unique airway problems in which mask ventilation and laryngoscopy may be difficult. Airway management is a very critical factor that needs priority. We are reporting a case posted for hemithyroidectomy and laryngectomy where we anticipated a difficult airway pre-operatively. Thyroidectomy and laryngectomy in patients with laryngeal tumour can be smoothly and effectively carried out by using C-MAC guided flexometallic ET tube intubation followed by low tracheostomy instead of elective tracheostomy.