Airway Management and Perioperative Concerns in Acromegaly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

Abstract

Acromegaly patients present a particular challenge to the endoscopic skull base surgeon. Despite preoperative anesthesia and otolaryngology evaluation, many of these patients will experience an unanticipated airway challenge during intubation. Preoperative preparation and perioperative awareness of anatomic and physiologic abnormalities of acromegalic patients is essential for successful endoscopic surgery in this unique population.