A case report of a fractured healthytooth during use of Guedel oropharyngeal airway.
A young Chinese male with healthy dentition was admitted for haemorrhoidectomy. General anaesthesia was administered using facemask and a Guedel oropharyngeal airway with patient breathing spontaneously on nitrous oxide, oxygen, desflurane. Except for a brief episode of laryngospasm, no adverse events were noted intraoperatively. Postoperatively however patient was found to have a fractured upper incisor. Mechanism of possible events that caused the fracture are postulated. Problems associated with the use of Guedel airway are discussed and alternatives proposed.
Kok
P H
PH
Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Changi General Hospital, Singapore. patrick_kok@cgh.com.sg
Kwan
K M
KM
Koay
C K
CK
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000293:injuries*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009960:Oropharynx; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000209:etiology*