Surgical aspects of airway management in infants and children.

The surgical management of the upper airway in infants and children varies in many important details from the principles of airway management usually applied to adults. Recent technical adaptations and innovations have improved our ability to deal with upper airway obstruction effectively. Advances in respiratory support for sick infants have saved thousands of lives and at the same time produced a new spectrum of airway problems which must be dealt with effectively. The surgeon who takes on such problems should be specially trained and dedicated to the unique requirements of infants and children.