Management of the Difficulty Airway in the Perioperative Period (A Surgical Perspective)

Airway management is a key component of patient safety in the periprocedural period. Inability to adequately oxygenate and ventilate a patient can lead to numerous complications, up to loss of life. The recent surge in prevalence of outpatient surgeries and procedures being performed at facilities with limited staffing and resources places increased responsibility for all aspects of patient safety on the proceduralist. Adequate preparation and a team-based approach are key in securing and maintaining the airway in every patient, which can be complicated by a number of factors. This chapter will discuss strategies for airway evaluation, and how to proceed in the case of the “difficult airway,” a common occurrence in today’s medical and surgical practice.