Pneumothorax caused by difficult intubation in maxillofacial surgery patient with restricted mouth opening

Abstract

Orofacial pathologies conjoined with restricted mouth opening are challenging due to difficulties in intubation. The aim of this case report is to present a case who developed pneumothorax related with general anesthesia caused by difficult intubation and discuss the reasons of this fatal complication. A 54-year-old male patient who presented with pathological fracture of the mandible secondary to osteoradionecrosis was planned for surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Following several attempts of intubation, tracheostomy was performed to secure airway. The patient has developed pneumothorax at post-anesthesia recovery. Severe trismus is a complicating factor for both anesthesia and surgery as positive pressure that is applied during intubation attempts may trigger pneumothorax. caused by difficult intubation in maxillofacial surgery patient with restricted mouth opening. Int J Med Dent Case Rep 2020;7:1-3.