Multidisciplinary international expert consensus on perioperative airway management

Background: Perioperative airway management is critical for patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. Effective airway management reduces postoperative pulmonary complications and accelerates recovery. This expert consensus aims to update the earlier consensus based on the latest research and emphasize aspects that were previously overlooked. Methods: A comprehensive search up to June 2024 was performed. Earlier consensus documents were reviewed to ensure thorough coverage. A modified Delphi method involved 62 domestic experts from various surgical and anesthetic specialties who discussed and voted on preliminary recommendations in face-to-face meetings, requiring ≥70% agreement. Drafts were then reviewed by 18 international experts via email to incorporate diverse insights. Results: Through the modified Delphi method, consensus was achieved with ≥70% agreement among the 62 domestic experts, ensuring that the preliminary recommendations were robust and widely supported. Additionally, feedback from the 18 international experts provided diverse insights that further refined and validated the recommendations. Recommendations were established for preoperative airway preparation, anesthesia management, surgical approach, postoperative airway management, and managing coexisting respiratory diseases. These recommendations update the perspectives of earlier consensus documents based on the latest research and emphasize non-intubated surgery, inhalation therapy, and individualized treatment for patients with coexisting pulmonary diseases. Conclusions: This expert consensus provides a valuable reference for clinical practice. Further technological optimization and clinical research are needed to improve perioperative airway management.