INTRAOPERATIVE AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION DURING ANESTHESIA WITH A LARYNGEAL MASK - CASE-REPORT AND FIBEROPTIC FINDINGS

Laryngeal obstruction is a challenging complication during anaesthesia with a face mask or laryngeal mask and is due to insufficient analges ia in most cases. However, with a laryngeal mask in place it must be d ifferentiated whether the airway obstruction is caused by the laryngea l mask itself or by other factors. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of the laryngeal closure and experience with the use of the laryngeal ma sk are essential for adequate treatment. Not the removal of a correctl y inserted laryngeal mask which initially provided a satisfying airway , but the relaxation of laryngeal muscle activity by adequate anaesthe sia is the first mandatory treatment if intraoperative airway obstruct ion occurs.