Against the Odds: Safe Intubation in a Young Patient With a Massive Tonsillar Tumor

TL;DR

This paper describes a successful case of safely managing airway and feeding tube insertion in a young patient with a large throat tumor.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the detailed strategy for airway and NGT management in a complex oropharyngeal tumor case.

Findings

Right-sided nasotracheal intubation was successfully performed using a video laryngoscope.

Preprocedural left-sided NGT insertion was completed without complications.

Strategic planning and coordination ensured safe airway and nutritional access.

Abstract

Oropharyngeal tumors pose significant challenges for airway management and nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion due to anatomical distortion. We report a case of a young male who underwent excision of a large left oropharyngeal mass, diagnosed as a pleomorphic adenoma. The case required meticulous planning for nasotracheal intubation and preprocedural NGT insertion, as requested by the surgeon, due to tumor-related airway distortion. After induction of general anesthesia, right-sided nasotracheal intubation was performed uneventfully using the video laryngoscope. Left-sided NGT insertion was completed preprocedurally without complications. This report highlights the strategic use of video laryngoscopy, preoperative coordination, and tailored NGT placement in managing complex head and neck cases, ensuring safe airway and nutritional access.

Figures