Abstract

CARLOS-VILLAFRANCA, Félix de; COBO-PLANA, Juan; MACIAS-ESCALADA, Emilio  and  MARTINEZ, Juliana. Difficult airway: relationship between orthodontics and anaesthesiology. RCOE [online]. 2005, vol.10, n.2, pp.187-195. ISSN 1138-123X.

Introduction: Endotracheal intubation is a well standardised technique although depending on the experience of the operator, anatomical or pathology-related alterations, there may exist situations in which the patient cannot receive ventilation. Objective: We aim to identify the implication of our speciality in the control of the airway of patients requiring anaesthesia or respiratory or hemodynamic resuscitation. Methods: We have studied the clinical findings termed «non-reassuring» published in the PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE DIFFICULT AIRWAY of the American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) in order to establish an airway difficult for intubation. We have attempted to view and translate these clinical situations from the orthodontic-odontologic perspective. Results: Of the eleven ASA risk criteria, we can favourably modify, with conventional orthodontic and orthopaedic treatments, six of these and part of the situations ascribed to Section five (degrees III and IV of the Mallampati-Samsoon classification). Conclusion: It seems fitting to consider the possibilities of orthodontic treatment and dentofacial orthopaedics, not only as an instrument for treating habitual malocclusions, but rather as a prophylaxis for some situations that can trigger off problems in emergency situations, such as the difficulty of intubation before a surgical operation.

Keywords : Difficult airway; Endotracheal intubation; Orthodontics; Upper airway.

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