PATIENT INFORMATION
I had a difficult intubation before
Tell the anaesthesiologist as early as possible, ideally at your first assessment rather than on the day of surgery.
What to bring
If you were given a difficult-airway letter, alert card or previous anaesthesia record, bring it. Details of what was difficult, and which technique finally worked, can be extremely useful.
If you do not have a letter, you can ask the hospital where the problem happened for a copy of your anaesthesia record.
What to tell the team
- When and where it happened
- What you were told about it
- Whether surgery had to be stopped or changed
- Whether you needed intensive care afterwards
- Any changes since then, such as weight change, neck surgery, radiotherapy or arthritis in the neck or jaw
What it means for future anaesthesia
A previous difficult intubation does not mean you cannot have anaesthesia. It means the team should plan the airway strategy and equipment in advance. This may include having additional equipment and experienced staff available, or discussing alternative techniques with you.
Keep your airway alert letter somewhere safe and share it with any future anaesthesia team.