Case report of the use of videolaryngoscopy in thyroid goiter masses: An airway challenge.
BACKGROUND
The use of videolaryngoscopy continues to play a larger role in the approach to patients with airway pathology. Looking specifically at patients with potential difficulty in ventilation and intubation due to thyroid goiter, video laryngoscopy may provide a faster and easier technique to secure the airway compared to direct laryngoscopy.


METHODS
In the case we will present to you, a 60-year-old female with a large goiter presented to a community hospital emergency room where she was found to be in respiratory distress with increased work of breathing. Urgent subtotal thyroidectomy was planned. The patient was intubated using a Glidescope technique and the airway was secured in a safe and timely fashion.


CONCLUSIONS
A literature review of PubMed and Web of Science of the use of videolaryngoscopy in goiter, difficult airway, and airway obstruction yielded information supporting the use of the video laryngoscopy as a first choice for laryngoscopy with a proven benefit over direct laryngoscopy.
University at Buffalo, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Department of Anesthesia, 219 Bryant Street, Buffalo, N.Y., 14222, United States. Electronic address: staceywattmd@yahoo.com.
Stacey
S
Watt
University at Buffalo, Anesthesiology Resident, United States. Electronic address: jskaplan2@gmail.com.
Jonathan
J
Kalpan
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, United States. Electronic address: venkatkollimd@aol.com.
Venkatesware
V
Kolli
Airway; Difficult Airway; Glidescope; Obstruction; Thyroid; Thyroid mass