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Panchala Murthy

Senior Pediatric ENT and Airway surgeon working with Rainbow children’s hospital, Hyderabad., India

Presentation Title:

Navigating complexities in pediatric airway management: A case-based exploration of challenging scenarios

Abstract

Introduction:

Pediatric airway management presents unique challenges due to anatomical and physiological differences compared to adults. Over the past decade, advancements in diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques have improved outcomes, yet complex cases still demand specialized approaches. This study reviews and analyses challenging Pediatric airway cases managed over the last ten years, highlighting the evolution of strategies and outcomes.

Aims/ Objectives:

To explore the complexities in Pediatric airway management through a detailed analysis of challenging cases encountered in the past decade.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on Pediatric airway cases treated from 2013 to 2023 at a tertiary care centre. Cases were selected based on the complexity of management, including congenital anomalies, infectious etiologies, and iatrogenic injuries. Data collected included, clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluations, management strategies, and outcomes. Specific focus was given to innovative approaches and multidisciplinary interventions.

Results:

A total of 256 complex Pediatric airway cases were analysed. The most common challenges included congenital airway anomalies laryngomalacia, severe infections. 

Key findings are as follows:

Congenital Anomalies: Laryngomalacia, Vocal cord palsy, Subglottic stenosis, Subglottic Hemangioma, Complete tracheal rings. 

Infections: Prompt identification and aggressive management of airway infections, such as epiglottitis and retropharyngeal abscess, Bacterial Tracheitis.

Iatrogenic Injuries: Post intubation Acquired Subglottic stenosis,

Discussion:

The review underscores the importance of early diagnosis, innovative surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex Pediatric airway cases. Advances in imaging and surgical technology have markedly improved the prognosis for these patients. However, challenges remain in resource-limited settings and in cases requiring highly specialized care.

Conclusion:

Navigating the complexities of Pediatric airway management requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of challenging Pediatric airway cases. Continued innovation and collaboration are essential to further enhance patient outcomes and address ongoing challenges in this critical area of Pediatric care.

Biography


Dr. P.V.L.N.Murthy is a highly skilled ENT surgeon specializing in airway management, with a particular interest in Pediatric and adult otolaryngology. Over the course of his career, they have developed a strong reputation for expertise in managing complex airway disorders and performing advanced surgical interventions. Their dedication to innovation and patient care led them to receive the prestigious Abdul Kalam Award for their significant contributions in Pediatric airway issues.

Throughout their career, Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy has embraced both clinical practice and academic engagement. They have been actively involved in educating the next generation of ENT professionals, often sharing their knowledge through lectures and panel discussions. Most notably, they participated in a key panel discussion on airway issues, given invited talks, where they presented insights on cutting-edge surgical techniques.

Their clinical interests extend to minimally invasive surgeries, including the use of Coblation technology in Pediatric airway & ENT procedures, which has helped improve patient outcomes in various surgeries. Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy remains dedicated to advancing the field of otolaryngology through research, education, and collaborative efforts within the medical community.

Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy holds numerous life memberships, reflecting a strong commitment to the ENT community. They are a life member of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India, the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnoea, and the Laryngology and Voice Association, which supports their continued involvement in specialized medical advancements.

Adding to their extensive credentials, Dr. Murthy has completed several prestigious fellowships and certifications. They hold a Fellowship in Snoring & Sleep Apnoea and underwent Advanced Coblation Training with Prof. Qingfeng Zhang at Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, China, in March 2013. They also served as a “Visiting Doctor Fellow” in the ENT Department of Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland, further enhancing their global expertise. Additionally, Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy received a faculty certificate for an Advanced Coblation Technique Workshop conducted by Smith & Nephew in 2016 and is certified in Balloon Sinuplasty, having completed expert training in Hyderabad.

Their dedication to patient care and surgical innovation has earned them multiple prestigious awards in several conferences.

Awards and Recognitions:

Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy has received numerous accolades, including:

Internationally: First prize for best video presentation on “Transoral Excision of Base Tongue Lesions in Neonates” at Singapore General Hospital in November 2019.

Nationally: First prize for the best surgical video, “Transoral Repair of Supraglottic Stenosis,” at the MID LVA Indo-US Airway Conference in February 2019, and the Gold Medal for the Dr. K.U. Shah Senior Consultant Award at AOICON 2024 in Bangalore, India.

State-Level: Multiple state awards, including 4 gold medals under the Sri Poojary Lakshmi Narayana category.

Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy regularly shares their expertise through high-profile engagements, including a recent panel discussion on airway management and an international speaking engagement in Nepal. With a career marked by clinical excellence and continuous professional development, Dr.P.V.L.N.Murthy is committed to advancing ENT care, especially in Pediatric Airway management, to benefit patients and the medical community alike.