Complications from securing the difficult airway

Attempts to secure the difficult airway, especially the pediatric airway, can have nightmarish consequences if not successful and may be followed by complications even when successful. Some complications are common and some are rare. To minimize the risk of any complications, the clinician needs to be prepared mentally and technically to manage the difficult airway, must prepare the equipment, and must educate the patient/parents regarding possible difficulties with airway management.