The approach and operative implications for the partially obstructed airway with impending or sudden loss of the airway

The otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon plays a unique role in the acute management of partial airway obstruction due to their familiarity with the surgical instruments and technical skills in establishing both nonsurgical and surgical airway access. When a partial airway obstruction deteriorates into impending or sudden airway loss, the surgeon must work intimately with the anesthesiologist and supporting staff to promptly establish an airway to minimize the injuries associated with prolonged hypoxia. The following article describes the surgical and operative techniques available to the otolaryngologist and an adapted airway algorithm for the impending or sudden loss of airway. The surgeon should become facile with these techniques in order to swiftly establish an airway in these emergency situations while minimizing complications and injury.