Severe post-burn neck contractures pose significant challenges in airway management, complicating surgical interventions, and affecting patient outcomes. Traditional intubation techniques often fall short in these cases due to restricted neck mobility and altered anatomy. This retrospective study evaluates a novel single-incision technique for facilitating intubation in patients with advanced-stage neck contractures after burns. Conducted in the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Special Metrolife Hospital from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2023, the study involved 25 pediatric patients and received ethical approval from Harran University Hospital. The technique consisted of sedation with propofol and ketamine, followed by a single incision to release neck contracture, allowing for easier intubation. The technique demonstrated a significant improvement in ease of intubation, with an average ease-of-intubation score of 1.4±0.5. Postoperative complications were minimal, with only two out of 25 patients experiencing minor issues. Furthermore, 92% of patients reported substantial functional and aesthetic improvements in the neck region. The single-incision technique presents a viable and safer alternative to conventional intubation methods for patients with severe post-burn neck contractures. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it particularly suitable for diverse healthcare settings, including those with limited resources. Future research should aim to validate these findings in larger, multicentre studies and explore the technique's applicability across different patient demographics.
Key words: Post-burn neck contractures, airway management, intubation techniques, surgical intervention
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