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ABSTRACT Background The purpose of this study was to measure the dimensions of the retromolar space of a patient population. If the dimensions were found to exceed the outside diameters of commonly used tracheal tubes, the results could increase use of the retromolar approach for oral intubation in patients with trismus. Methods We reviewed 311 dental pantomograms. Retromolar space height was measured from the lowest point of the maxillary tuberosity to the mandibular alveolar ridge. Width was measured from the last mandibular molar to the junction of the anterior border of the ramus with the body of the mandible. Results Mean height and width were 17.87 mm and 17.48 mm for the right space and 18.07 mm and 16.51 mm for the left. Conclusion These dimensions were usually larger than the outside diameters of commonly used tracheal tubes. The retromolar approach can be considered an option for flexible fiberoptic intubation in patients with trismus. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E638-E642, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances in airway management, perianesthetic dental injury remains one of the most common anesthesia-related adverse events and cause for malpractice litigation against anesthesia providers. Recommended precautions for prevention of dental damage may not always be effective because these techniques involve contact and pressure exerted on vulnerable teeth. We describe a novel approach using the retromolar space to insert a flexible fiberscope for tracheal tube placement as a reliable method to achieve atraumatic tracheal intubation. Written consent for publication has been obtained from the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We read with interest the article by Cabrini et al titled "Tracheal intubation in patients at risk for cervical spinal cord injury: A systematic review."[1] This article compared tracheal intubation techniques in adult patients at risk for secondary cervical spinal cord injury undergoing surgery. Awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) was often considered the safest technique in patients at risk for spinal cord injury, but this technique required time, experience, and a cooperative patient. [Extracted from the article]

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The article presents the study that investigates the effectiveness of the proposed airway assessment mnemonic in managing the neck and head cancers of patients.

Background We present a case report of a patient with recurrent thyroid carcinoma, previously treated with surgery and radiotherapy, who developed asystolic episodes on 2 occasions as the result of positioning of the neck in hyperextension for head and neck surgery. Methods and Results In carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH), the carotid sinus reflex is greatly exaggerated, resulting in profound bradycardia and asystole. Predisposing risk factors for the development of CSH in this patient included history of previously treated head and neck cancer and the presence of tight surgical scars. His negative cardiovascular history, the time sequence between neck positioning and asystole, and the fact that asystole recurred during the second surgery strongly suggest that CSH was precipitated by hyperextension of the neck during positioning. Conclusions A heightened awareness of this syndrome, close monitoring, and preparedness for timely diagnosis and management are essential for a successful outcome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the important role of retromolar flexible fiber-optic orotracheal intubation in performing surgical procedures for patients with severe trismus. The authors suggest that the method can be performed to avoid the need for tracheostomy. The contraindications of nasal intubation are mentioned, including nasal tumors and infections and basilar skull fractures.