Aetiology
Failed or difficult intubation is a challenging and potentially life-threatening situation that may be caused by a variety of factors. These factors include anatomical abnormalities of the airway, such as a large tongue, narrow or distorted larynx, or a high-arched palate. Other causes can include obesity, a full stomach, or the presence of a foreign body in the airway.
Diagnosis
Failed or difficult intubation is typically diagnosed through visual inspection of the airway and/or the use of specialized equipment. This equipment may include a laryngoscope, flexible endoscopy, or a fiber-optic scope. In addition, tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used to diagnose and assess the underlying cause of the intubation difficulty.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of failed or difficult intubation includes other conditions that can cause airway obstruction, such as vocal cord paralysis, tracheomalacia, laryngeal edema, or a tumor.
Treatment
Treatment of failed or difficult intubation may include manual ventilation, suctioning, airway manipulation, and use of adjunctive airway devices, such as a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or a supraglottic airway (SGA). If these measures are unsuccessful, an awake fiber-optic intubation or an emergency tracheostomy may be required.
Prognosis
The prognosis for failed or difficult intubation depends on the underlying cause and the success of the treatment. Most patients who receive timely and appropriate treatment have a good prognosis. However, some patients may experience complications, such as aspiration, hypoxia, and/or cardiac arrest.