Aguilar Sierra Rufino, Székessy Hunor
Anesthesia, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zürich, CHE.
Cureus. 2025 Mar 25;17(3):e81174. doi: 10.7759/cureus.81174. eCollection 2025 Mar.
Managing difficult airways in patients with complex comorbidities and language barriers requires a strategic, multidisciplinary approach. We present the case of a 60-year-old non-smoking female with a history of multinodular euthyroid goiter causing significant tracheal stenosis, scheduled for an elective procedure. Her sole documented comorbidity was a newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. No additional health conditions were reported. A notable challenge was the language barrier, as the patient did not speak the local language, necessitating the presence of a translator to facilitate all communication and informed consent. Given the significant tracheal compression observed in imaging studies, an awake fiberoptic intubation was planned to reduce airway compromise risks. This approach allowed for continuous patient cooperation and monitoring, minimizing the chance of sudden airway obstruction. Throughout the procedure, maintaining clear communication and patient cooperation was essential for the safe execution of the intubation. This case emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative planning and individualized airway management strategies, particularly in patients with significant anatomical challenges. It highlights the need to adapt standard airway techniques to address complex physiological conditions and underscores the value of a methodical approach to ensure safe and successful outcomes in difficult airway cases.
对于患有复杂合并症和存在语言障碍的患者,处理困难气道需要采取一种具有策略性的多学科方法。我们呈现一例60岁非吸烟女性患者的病例,该患者有多发结节性甲状腺功能正常性甲状腺肿病史,导致严重气管狭窄,计划进行择期手术。她唯一记录在案的合并症是新诊断出的糖尿病。未报告其他健康问题。一个显著的挑战是语言障碍,因为患者不会说当地语言,这就需要有一名翻译来促进所有沟通和知情同意过程。鉴于影像学检查中观察到明显的气管受压情况,计划采用清醒纤维支气管镜插管以降低气道受损风险。这种方法能让患者持续配合并接受监测,将突然气道梗阻的可能性降至最低。在整个操作过程中,保持清晰的沟通和患者的配合对于插管的安全实施至关重要。该病例强调了全面术前规划和个体化气道管理策略的重要性,尤其是在存在重大解剖学挑战的患者中。它凸显了调整标准气道技术以应对复杂生理状况的必要性,并强调了有条不紊的方法对于确保困难气道病例获得安全且成功结果的价值。