Oropharyngeal stenosis following traditional uvulectomy- case report of challenges in anesthetic and surgical management

Abstract

Background: Severe oropharyngeal stenosis (OPS) associated with dysphagia and stunted growth is an unusual complication of traditional uvulectomy in children; an unpopular practice
still occurring in Africa.
Methods: We present anaesthetic and surgical challenges in the management of a 19 year old female with this complication scheduled for uvulopharyngoplasty.
Results: The peri-operative airway challenge was managed by tracheostomy, which was used for inhalational anaesthesia, and allowed free surgical access of pharynx for the surgeon.
Conclusion: Patients with severe OPS will benefit from elective pre-operative tracheostomy, to avoid intubation problems and allow sharing of airway for surgical access.

Keywords: Traditional uvulectomy, Oropharyngeal stenosis, Tracheostomy, Uvulopharyngoplasty