Cancer related: Biopsy positive or suspicious for malignancy Biopsy indeterminate for malignancy Prophylactic in high-risk genetic carriers Hyperthyroidism related (Grave’s disease, Toxic nodule, Toxic multinodular goitre etc.) Medical therapy contraindicated or...
Potentially difficult airway, particularly in the setting of large or retrosternal goitre Anaesthetic implications of thyroid disease Concerns of head and neck surgery including limited access to the airway Potential for bleeding associated with a large goitre Risk of...
History & Examination Full anaesthetic, medical and surgical history Assess for symptoms and signs of thyroid disease Assess for presence of associated endocrine disorders as part of MEN Assess for symptoms of airway compromise: Dyspnoea Dysphagia Stridor...
Direct laryngoscopy and oral intubation most frequently performed: Muscle relaxation generally used Ensure smaller tube available if tracheal compression If difficult intubation predicted: Awake fibre optic may be used – risks ‘cork in bottle’...
