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Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, and Oral Surgery

Otolaryngology

We are privileged to provide anesthesia services for this department which is consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report. While on this rotation, residents become experts at airway management.

We emphasize alternative airway management techniques, such as:

  • Fiberoptic intubation
  • Use of the bougie and fast-trach aids
  • Video-laryngoscopes

Jet ventilation with heliox is used in pediatric airway management. Residents learn to evaluate the compromised airway and plan appropriate anesthesia techniques.

Head and neck cancer surgery is a major component and residents become familiar with management of fluid, electrolytes, and blood replacement during surgical procedures that are of long duration.

Ophthalmology

This department is also ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report. Residents balance the need for a quiet operating field while maintaining the ability to awaken the patient in a timely fashion.

Corrective eye procedures for children are commonly performed at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Residents also learn to manage as many as ten cataract surgeries in one day, thus gaining valuable private practice-like experience.

Oral Surgery

Because oral surgeons need unimpeded access to the mouth, residents become expert at nasal intubation. Residents gain expertise in blood pressure control with vasoactive agents as many of the jaw advancement surgeries also require induced hypotension.