Introduction

The most important roles of the anesthetist include ensuring that the patient is adequately oxygenated and ventilated and that airway patency is maintained. The sedative, anesthetic, and relaxant drugs that facilitate surgery predictably compromise airway patency and protection. Effective airway management keeps the airway free of secretions, contamination, and obstruction while minimizing complications.

In session III and IV of this module you have learnt the anatomy and physiology of the air way with assessment of airway and methods of maintaining clear air way of anesthetized or unconscious patient using supraglottic devices and manipulating head position.

In this session you will learn to have appropriate knowledge, skill and right attitude to use endotracheal intubation as indicated and in every patient receiving general anesthesia as a routine part of delivering a general anesthetic, however, not all patients receiving general anesthesia require it. In addition you will introduced with equipment, techniques, discuss the complications and their management.