Surgery-related risk factors also play a critical role in the development of laryngospasm during anesthesia. Procedures involving a shared airway, such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, present a particularly high risk, with the incidence of laryngospasm exceeding 20% in these cases. Similarly, bronchoscopy, which involves direct manipulation and stimulation of the airway, is associated with an increased risk.
Thyroid surgery is another high-risk procedure, primarily due to the potential for superior laryngeal nerve injury or hypocalcemia, both of which can contribute to airway complications. Esophageal endoscopy carries a risk due to the stimulation of distal afferent esophageal nerves, which can reflexively trigger laryngospasm.
Other surgical procedures, such as appendectomy, hypospadias repair, skin grafting, and cervical dilatation, have also been identified as risk factors, likely due to the associated manipulation of tissues that can indirectly affect airway stability. Anesthesia providers must remain vigilant during these surgeries, as the nature of the procedures can increase the likelihood of airway complications, including laryngospasm.
