Airway Management in a Case of Rhinophyma Excision

Abstract Rhinophyma is a progressive enlargement of the nose caused by sebaceous gland proliferation. In this case, the condition was neglected until it obstructed the patient’s vision, necessitating surgical excision with grafting. The extensive nasal enlargement posed significant challenges for airway management, particularly in bag-mask ventilation and tracheal intubation. Given the anticipated difficulty, awake tracheal intubation was planned using airway nerve blocks and topical anesthesia. The use of regional anesthesia techniques minimized the risk of hypoxia and ensured patient comfort during the procedure. This case highlights the importance of meticulous airway planning and the role of nerve blocks in managing difficult airways in patients with extensive rhinophyma. Our report emphasizes the efficacy and safety of regional airway anesthesia as a valuable approach in challenging intubation scenarios.