Fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via the laryngeal mask airway in children

• BACKGROUND: Fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via the laryngeal mask airway-previously reported in adults but not in children-gives a better endoscopic view of the upper airway than does endoscopy via an endotracheal tube. METHOD: The endoscopic procedure was carried out via a size 2 laryngeal mask in 4 spontaneously breathing children between 1 and 6 years old. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane in 50-100% oxygen. RESULTS: The laryngeal mask was found to enable laryngotracheoscopy with a flexible 5.0-mm fibreoptic endoscope with no technical difficulties. Spontaneous ventilation could be readily preserved throughout the endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In children anaesthetized with halothane, flexible fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via a laryngeal mask is a useful method-offering technical advantages not achieved otherwise-provided that generally approved restrictions to the use of a laryngeal mask airway are taken into account.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Anestesi och intensivvård (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)