A Rare Complication: Case Report of Palatal Laceration Associated with Flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion

Adam S Kallmeyer, Shreya Tocaciu and Mary-Claire E Simmonds*

1Department of Anaesthesia, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mount Gambier Hospital, Mount Gambier, SA, Australia 3Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia

^*Correspondance to: Mary-Claire E Simmonds 

 PDF  Full Text Case Report | Open Access

Abstract:

We present a case of soft palate and uvula laceration associated with the insertion of a flexible laryngeal mask airway (FLMA) during elective maxillofacial surgery. A 51-year-old male underwent anterior mandible alveoplasty and tooth removal under general anaesthesia. Resistance during FLMA insertion led to mucosal tears at the right palatoglossal fold and uvula base, requiring suturing of the former. Despite initial post-operative sore throat and odynophagia, the patient recovered without further complications. This case highlights the potential for traumatic injury during FLMA insertion and emphasizes the importance of proper technique, lubrication, and clinician experience in preventing such adverse outcomes.

Keywords:

Flexible Laryngeal Mask

Cite the Article:

Kallmeyer AS, Tocaciu S, Mary-Claire E Simmonds. A Rare Complication: Case Report of Palatal Laceration Associated with Flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2025; 10: 2759..