Treacher Collins Syndrome: Case Report of a Patient with a Difficult Airway

Treacher Collin's syndrome (TCS) or mandibulofacial dysostosis is a rare inherited condition which is characterized by bilateral and symmetric abnormalities of the structures within the first and second bronchial arches. The patients with TCS present a serious problem to the anaesthetists in maintaining their airway, as upper airway obstruction and a difficult tracheal intubation due to a severe facial deformity make such a task difficult. Because of retrognathia, the airway management of these patients is often challenging. A 30-year male who was diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) was posted for surgery for bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. He presented with dysmorphic facial features, and a difficulty in breathing, sleeping and in lying down since birth. In this case, the most challenging task was induction of anaesthesia and securing the airway.