P073 Alternative topicalisation technique for awake intubation in patients with distorted anatomy

<h3>Background and Aims</h3> Anaesthetic management of a 61-year-old male presenting with a large tonsillar mass causing extensive local invasion and significant anatomical distortion of the upper airway. The mass extended to the nasopharynx, soft palate, parapharyngeal, and retropharyngeal spaces, creating challenges in airway management, during biopsy under general anaesthesia. He was subsequently diagnosed with diagnosed with cT3N2M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We aim to discuss anaesthetic considerations in such cases and challenges that may be faced. <h3>Methods</h3> Preoperative airway assessment demonstrated a Mallampathi grade 4, reduced mouth opening (two finger breadths), and full neck range of motion, indicating a potentially challenging airway. Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) was planned as the primary approach to secure the airway. Topicalisation was done with an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), #6 endotracheal tube (ETT) and nebulized 4% Lignocaine. The patient was sedated with target-controlled infusion (TCI) remifentanil. The method we employed differs from conventional methods as it required the patient to self-topicalise. This reduced anxiety and increased cooperation from the patient. He successfully tolerated AFOI. A #6 ETT was placed, and anesthesia was induced uneventfully. The patient underwent the operation and was extubated awake, spontaneously breathing with good tidal volumes. Post-procedure, he remained stable and discharged well to the general ward. <h3>Results</h3> The mass location and extent resulted in airway distortion and increased risks of airway obstruction, aspiration, and difficulties in visualisation during intubation. Awake fiberoptic intubation remains the gold standard for managing anticipated difficult airways, with studies showing its success rate of &gt;95% in experienced hands and reduced peri-intubation hypoxia compared to other techniques. Remifentanil infusion allowed precise control of sedation, minimizing respiratory depression and maintaining patient cooperation. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This case underscores the critical role of preoperative planning, patient counselling and evidence-based airway management strategies in ensuring patient safety in complex head and neck cancer cases.