Work

Unanticipated Difficult Airway in a Child With an Undiagnosed Subglottic Laryngeal Web: Caught in the Web, Saved by a Nick

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Laryngeal webs are abnormal tissue formations within the larynx, typically caused by incomplete recanalization during embryonic development of the larynx at 8-10 weeks of gestation. They result from incomplete resorption of the epithelial layer that normally obliterates the developing laryngeal opening, leading to the formation of a web. Congenital laryngeal webs are rare, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000 births, accounting for about 5% of all congenital laryngeal anomalies. They are associated with significant anesthetic challenges, such as difficulty in intubation or the need for invasive airway access. In pediatric patients, this is further complicated by a smaller airway diameter, lower oxygen reserves, and faster desaturation, which can quickly turn an unanticipated airway difficulty into a critical situation. Here, we present the airway management of a child with unanticipated difficult intubation secondary to an undiagnosed subglottic web.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82729

Authors: Vinitha Narayan, Swati Patel, Ashwini Reddy, Rajeev Chauhan

Institution: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Airway Management and Intubation Techniques

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409640106