Fiberoptic intubation in the lateral position in emergency airway management of a patient with large thyroid swelling.

The airway management of a patient with a large thyroid swelling is challenging, especially when complicated by airway deformity, compression of the trachea, retrosternal extension, and respiratory difficulty. Awake airway management using a fiberoptic bronchoscope is the safest technique in patients with anticipated difficult airways. We hereby discuss the emergency airway management of a patient with large thyroid swelling with tracheal compression and retrosternal extension using awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy in a lateral position.