airway management

Last reviewed 01/2018

Airway management for general anaesthesia first entails a check that the oropharynx is clear of obstruction, e.g. dentures which should have been removed pre-operatively. Next, the tongue is prevented from occluding the airway by pulling the mandible forward with a slightly flexed neck and extended head. This can be achieved through a direct pull on the symphysis mentis or a push from behind the angles of the mandible.

Simultaneously, the patient is oxygenated with a bag-and-mask adjunct applied to the mouth. In most cases, the patient will then have an artificial airway passed before ventilation:

• oropharyngeal
• laryngeal mask
• endotracheal intubation Intubation in an under-anaesthetised patient can result in reflex coughing and laryngospasm.