Airway management principles in complex cervicofacial infections

Complex cervicofacial infections encompass a unique subset of upper and lower airway disorders with both potential to progress into a life-threating clinical condition. In the modern era, treatment of aggressive extracranial infections continues to revolve around the hallmark principles of airway stabilization, broad-spectrum antimicrobials, radiography, and surgical drainage. Approaches to complicated head and neck infections remain a multidisciplinary endeavor involving an experienced team of anesthesiologists, critical care intensivists, and otolaryngologists. This article aims to both review and highlight key therapeutic strategies in the management of this challenging pathologic entity with special consideration given to emergent airway maneuvers and operative techniques.