Case report of the use of videolaryngoscopy in thyroid goiter masses: An airway challenge

INTRODUCTION: The use of videolaryngoscopy continues to play a larger role in the approach to patients with airway pathology. Looking specifically at patients with potential difficulty in ventilation and intubation due to thyroid goiter, video laryngoscopy may provide a faster and easier technique to secure the airway compared to direct laryngoscopy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In the case we will present to you, a 60-year-old female with a large goiter presented to a community hospital emergency room where she was found to be in respiratory distress with increased work of breathing. Urgent subtotal thyroidectomy was planned. The patient was intubated using a Glidescope technique and the airway was secured in a safe and timely fashion. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A literature review of PubMed and Web of Science of the use of videolaryngoscopy in goiter, difficult airway, and airway obstruction yielded information supporting the use of the video laryngoscopy as a first choice for laryngoscopy with a proven benefit over direct laryngoscopy.