Introduction:

Prone position of patients during anaesthesia is required to provide operative access for a wide variety of surgical emergencies as elective procedures.

Airway management in this position is a challenge for the anaesthetist because it creates obstacles that impair the ability to achieve endotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy.

Case report:

A 56-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency service with penetrating neck trauma caused by a 12cm knife protruding from the left posterior aspect of his neck between T2-T3. He had reduced sensation in the left part of his body below C5, although strength and movements were normal. Tracheal intubation in prone position was accomplished satisfactorily on the first attempt.

Conclusion:

Endotracheal intubation using conventional laryngoscopy can be accomplished safely and effectively in a patient in prone position.

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