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Current Anesthesiology Reports

30-04-2024 | Laryngoscopy | Airway Management (LC Berkow, Section Editor)

Unrecognized Esophageal Intubation: Prevention, Recognition & Management

Authors: Andy Higgs, Harry Bamber

Published in: Current Anesthesiology Reports

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Unrecognized esophageal intubation (UEI) continues to occur. This causes avoidable mortality and severe morbidity. Traditionally, operators have relied on simple manoeuvres and one-line aphorisms to teach students how to avoid it. These have not always proven successful and tragic deaths still occur.

Recent Findings

In some jurisdictions, Coroners are exerting significant pressure on anesthetic authorities to eliminate this complication. The international, multi-disciplinary group, the Project for the Universal Management of the Airway (PUMA), in conjunction with the main specialist airway societies around the world, have produced a straightforward, systematic guideline focused on avoiding UEI.

Summary

This article reviews why UEI deaths happen and how the new guideline approaches this issue which will be of interest to all airway practitioners, independent of specialty or seniority.
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Metadata
Title
Unrecognized Esophageal Intubation: Prevention, Recognition & Management
Authors
Andy Higgs
Harry Bamber
Publication date
30-04-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Anesthesiology Reports
Electronic ISSN: 2167-6275
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-024-00630-3