Airway management of a life-threatening post-thyroidectomy haematoma. (15th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adigbli, George; King, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-12-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-213578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Neck haematomas are rare but potentially life-threatening complications of thyroid surgery. Postoperative monitoring, early diagnosis and immediate management are critical, as this condition can rapidly lead to compression and obstruction of the upper airway. We present a case of a 69-year-old woman who suffered respiratory failure resulting from a post-thyroidectomy haematoma with airway obstruction and severe haemodynamic compromise, presenting a difficult anaesthetic challenge. Following development of a likely 'cannot intubate, cannot ventilate' situation despite haematoma evacuation, the patient underwent emergency cricothyroidotomy, before rapid sequence intubation and subsequent surgical haemostasis.