Ambreen Yasin, Carl Groves, Aleksandra Reszka, Cyprian Mendonca

Publisher: TFM Publishing Ltd first edition, 2023; 224 pages

ISBN-10: 1913755363

ISBN-13: 978-1913755362

In the modern medicine era, clinical decisions are often influenced by algorithms, guidelines and good clinical practices that came from a need to summarise and standardise knowledge in evidence-based medicine (EBM), making them more easily applicable. Nowadays, there are well-known algorithms that guide the anesthesiologist when faced with challenging decisions. However, it is sometimes difficult to find educational material, to apply those algorithms to real clinical cases.

This book meets the need, based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical practice. The text shows and explains in detail 23 clinical cases. These real life scenarios give the reader the chance to identify the crucial decisions which have to be made during difficult airway management.

The proposed examples range from expected and unexpected difficult intubation, anomalies and bleeding of the maxillofacial region, collagen diseases, polytrauma, and other interesting cases. Every scenario is presented clearly and precisely, starting from the anamnesis and patient objective assessment. The decision making strategy is described, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods and options chosen is discussed. Tables and diagrams complete the clinical case description schematising the focal points and the decisional algorithms according to the recent guidelines based on EBM. Moreover, the scenario description is enriched by images and diagnostic imaging references, simplifying comprehension, especially for the young medical doctor.

An important highlight of this book is the emphasis on soft skills, like teamwork, the importance of good leadership, and efficient team communication. The editors focused on the importance of engaging consultants, nurses, and all the other healthcare workers who need to cooperate for resolution of the emergency.

This book represents a valid tool for everyone who has to face a difficult airway management problem. Postgraduate doctors, physicians practicing in the emergency department, intensive care specialists, anaesthesia associates, and associated healthcare professionals can expand their knowledge in managing patients with a difficult airway. They can also feel supported in their decision by the latest recommendations from EBM applied to practical clinical case resolution.

Salvatore Fabrizio Favitta, MD

Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy