Special Considerations in Anesthesia forLaryngeal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

The airway is not only shared but operated upon during laryngeal cancer surgery. Patients with laryngeal cancer may require generalanesthesia for diagnostic endoscopic procedures, for endolaryngeal laser surgery or for major cancer resectional surgery. This reviewoutlines the importance of careful assessment of the airway and medical comorbidities and discusses the options for anesthetic and ventilatorymanagement whilst ensuring a safe airway, adequate oxygenation and the best possible view of the surgical field. Laryngeal cancer surgerymay improve the airway or create new problems and the need for meticulous planning, multidisciplinary input, good communication andclose cooperation between all members of the team is emphasized.