| Abstrakt: |
The shocked patient with life-threatening haemorrhage from the upper airway is a major anaesthetic and surgical challenge. Causes of bleeding, may include infective, trauma, tumour or postoperative sequelae. Sources of bleeding, include epistaxis, tonsillar bed, tongue and oro- or nasopharynx. Despite full resuscitative measures, bleeding may persist and the airway can become increasingly compromised. Surgical intervention is required sooner rather than later. A strategic anaesthetic approach to this emergency is essential before surgery. The risks and benefits of several alternative strategies are considered (Table 1). |
