TYPE-IV LARYNGOTRACHEO-ESOPHAGEAL CLEFT - MANAGEMENT OF A DIFFICULT AIRWAY

Congenital laryngotracheo-oesophageal cleft is a rare anomaly which pr esents a challenge to the anaesthetists because of the potential probl ems of establishing and maintaining an airway. We report the anaesthet ic management of a one-month old baby with complete or type TV laryngo tracheo-oesophageal presenting for the repair of the defect. The manag ement of the precarious airway is presented and the various techniques of managing the airway are reviewed.