The child with facial abnormalities.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to outline the priorities in the anaesthetic management of the child with facial abnormalities. It presents a practical approach to this, based on the anatomical site of the deformity and degree of mouth opening.

RECENT FINDINGS: The literature reviewed primarily consists of case reports and series describing anaesthesia in children with relevant syndromes. Also scrutinized is the literature examining the role and effectiveness of recently developed airway management equipment.

SUMMARY: This is a challenging area of anaesthetic practice but the use of a structured approach, combined with supraglottic airway devices and fibre-optic and indirect laryngoscopic equipment, has allowed the safe administration of anaesthesia to almost all children with conditions resulting in facial abnormality.