Airway Management Techniques in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Our practice in a Teaching Hospital Northwest Nigeria and Review of Literature.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Airway management following maxillofacial trauma, orofacial abscess and oral tumors is challenging due to deranged anatomy, soft tissue injury, edema of the tongue, associated hemorrhage and limitation of mouth opening. Massive tumors of the jaws often obstruct the airways and airway is also compromised in midfacial fractures. The objective of this study was to present various methods that were used in our Centre to maintain airways in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. One hundred patients admitted to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for maxillofacial surgery were selected by convenience sampling method. The study spanned from January 2023 to November, 2025.  The methods of airway management were grouped into airway management in emergency cases and those for elective surgeries. The demography, diagnosis of the lesions, method of anesthesia, and complications encountered were recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Airway management for emergencies cases comprised of tracheostomy (n= 6, 6.0%), endotracheal intubation (oral & nasal) (n= 4, 4.0%), for elective cases endotracheal intubation was done in (n=62, 62.0%) of patients, tracheostomy done for (n=18, 18%) laryngeal mask done for (n=10, 10.0%). Challenges encounteed include failed intubation, bleeding, airway sub-tissue, and ineffective paralyzing agent.

Conclusion: Airway management in maxillofacial surgery requires the skill of well-trained anesthesiologist to achie optimal results. Proper evaluation and planning of the anesthesia methods is necessary for safe surgery.

Keywords: Airway manageent, maxillofacial surgery, trauma, tumours, anesthesia,