Airway problems and new solutions for the obstetric patient.

Anesthesia-related complications are the sixth leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal mortality in the United States. Difficult or failed intubation following induction of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery remains the major contributory factor to anesthesia-related maternal complications. Although the use of general anesthesia has been declining in obstetric patients, it may still be required in selected cases. Because difficult intubation in obstetric anesthesia practice is frequently unexpected, careful and timely preanesthetic evaluation of all parturients should identify the majority of patients with difficult airway and avoid unexpected difficult airway management.