Abstract

SANT'ANNA, Fernanda; ROSSI, Marcelle Alvarez; CERQUEIRA, Arlei  and  FERNANDES, Atson Carlos de Souza. Crycothyroidotomy in the treatment of acute airway obstruction. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2010, vol.10, n.2, pp. 35-41. ISSN 1808-5210.

The goal of this study is to discuss the crycothyroidotomy procedure, highlighting its indications, complications and other major aspects, particularly the specific surgical techniques and related anatomical structures. During a patient's visit to the dental office, the dental surgeon may encounter various complications resulting from the procedure or from physiological changes presented by the patient. The acute obstruction of the upper airways is a serious complication requiring the professional's immediate attention to reverse the picture. Crycothyroidotomy is a lifesaving emergency procedure capable of restoring the permeability of the respiratory system. It has been restricted to situations of extreme obstruction above the vocal cords, such as anaphylactic reactions or severe facial trauma. This procedure should not be performed in children under five years of age, and caution is advised for children under the age of ten. To perform the procedure correctly it is vital for the professional to be familiar not only with the surgical technique itself but also with the underlying anatomy of the region.

Keywords : Airway Obstruction [complications]; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Laryngeal Muscles.