Case report: compromise airway and orofacial trauma

Abstract

Introduction: Facial trauma constitutes a challenge in perioperative management, since this anatomical zone possesses complex vital structures such as important vessel and nerve bundles, as well as the beginning of the upper airway. That is why an injury in this region requires rapid and effective diagnosis and management since ventilation can be seriously compromised by airway obstruction, either due to the object of trauma, or inflammatory reaction and edema; bruises, burns, or direct breakage. The vascular lesion can cause profuse bleeding, as well as aspiration of blood and fragments of tissues that were injured. Choosing the anesthesia technique is usually a challenge when a priori structures such as the mouth and nose are compromised. Method: A clinical case and bibliographic review are presented. Conclusion: Regional facial and neck anesthesia techniques together with adequate sedation are an alternative in the initial management of mild facial trauma. Key words: Facial trauma, regional anesthesia, nerve blocks of the face and neck, sedation.