Oral Intubation Attempts in Patients With a Laryngectomy: A Significant Safety Threat

Michael J. Brenner, John D. Cramer, Brendan A. McGrath, Karthik Balakrishnan, Katelyn O. Stepan, Vinciya Pandian, David W. Roberson, Rahul K. Shah, Amy Y. Chen, Itzhak Brook, Brian Nussenbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

It is impossible to secure the airway of a patient with “neck-only” breathing transorally or transnasally. Surgical removal of the larynx (laryngectomy) or tracheal rerouting (tracheoesophageal diversion or laryngotracheal separation) creates anatomic discontinuity. Misguided attempts at oral intubation of neck breathers may cause hypoxic brain injury or death. We present national data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Head and Neck Society, and the United Kingdom’s National Reporting and Learning Service. Over half of US otolaryngologist respondents reported instances of attempted oral intubations among patients with laryngectomy, with a mortality rate of 26%. UK audits similarly revealed numerous resuscitation efforts where misunderstanding of neck breather status led to harm or death. Such data underscore the critical importance of staff education, patient engagement, effective signage, and systems-based best practices to reliably clarify neck breather status and provide necessary resources for safe patient airway management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1040-1043
Number of pages4
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (United States)
Volume164
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • difficult airway
  • hypoxia
  • intubation
  • laryngectomy
  • laryngotracheal separation
  • national health system
  • neck breather
  • patient safety
  • quality improvement
  • tracheostomy
  • tracheotomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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