Abstract

Indication for fiberoptic intubation in an awake patient include almost any abnormality that may hinder the expeditious placement of an endotracheal tube during anesthetic induction. An epistaxis is the most frequent complication of nasotracheal intubation. The patient was admitted for open reduction and internal fixation due to severe mandible fracture. We experienced a case of atelectasis due to epistaxis aspiration during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in the conscious patient regionally anesthetized by both superior laryngeal nerve block and translaryngeal anesthesia, which is treated by saline irrigation, suction, active coughing and chest percussion.

• Keywords: Anesthetic techniques;fiberoptic intubation;Complication;aspiration;epistaxis;