Abstract

Background: Patients with deep neck infection (DNI) especially those with Ludwig’s angina, may die as a result of airway management mishaps. Skill full airway management is critical but a safe method of airway control in these patients is yet to be established. Awake fiberoptic intubation under topical anesthesia may be ideal method to secure the airway in deep neck infection.
Objective: To study the effect and outcome of awake fiberoptic intubation in patients of deep neck infections.
Materials and Methods: The prospective observational case study of 30 patients with deep neck infection has been done over a period of January 2013 to December 2015 (36 month), who were subjected to awake fiberoptic intubation. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy for intubation under topical anesthesia has been done. Result: The preintubation scopy gave proper assessment and preparation of airway. With redo scopy, all patients under- gone intubation successfully without any complications. Conclusion: In skilled and experienced hands fiberoptic intubation is a sophisticated and less invasive method of securing airway in patients with deep neck infections.