Anaesthetic concerns of difficult airway in case of large oral hemangioma posted for robotic cystectomy

A difficult airway poses a challenge to attending anaesthesiologist. Fibreoptic intubation (FOI) to secure airway can be a valuable option in such a scenario. Steep Trendelenberg’s position with pneumoperitoneum in robotic surgery causes respiratory changes with airway oedema and congestion. We are describing here a case report of 56-year male patient with a large congenital oral cavity hemangioma with primary urothelial neoplasm of bladder posted for robotic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit with urethrectomy. We emphasize the importance of difficult airway management by using fibre optic technique in such cases complicated by steep Trendelenburg’s position required during robotic surgeries.

Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway as an Independent Ventilatory and Intubating Device in Lateral Position: A Fibreoptic Study

Sudden airway loss during surgery in a laterally positionedpatient may have hazardous consequences. We studiedwhether the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) facilitatesfibreoptic guided tracheal intubation in patients positioned inthe lateral position. Anesthesia was induced with propofol,fentanyl, and rocuronium in 90 consenting patients of eithersex, weighing 50-70 Kg undergoing surgery. Patients wererandomized to three groups (n=30 each); Group 1 (Controlgroup) Supine position, or positioned on their right or left sides(Group 2 and Group 3 respectively) before induction of generalanesthesia. ILMA insertion and fibreoptic guided intubation wasperformed in that position. The grade of the glottic view, timerequired for intubation and number of adjusting maneuversused were recorded. Data were compared by ANOVA, multiple‘t’ test and chi(2) test. Demographic and airway measureswere similar in the three groups. The time required for ILMAinsertion (<30 secs) and success rate was similar in threegroups. The time to intubation was also similar ineach group (15.24±3.4719.68±17.29 secs, 19.35±11.83 secsin Groups 1, 2, 3 respectively; p = > 0.05), as was intubationsuccess (97.7%). Hence ILMA offers a frequent success rateand a clinically acceptable intubation time (<1 min) even in thelateral position.

Fibreoptic intubation in airway management: a review article

Since the first use of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope, a plethora of new airway equipment has become available. It is essential for clinicians to understand the role and limitations of the available equipment to make appropriate choices. The recent 4th National Audit Project conducted in the United Kingdom found that poor judgement with inappropriate choice of equipment was a contributory factor in airway morbidity and mortality. Given the many modern airway adjuncts that are available, we aimed to define the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in decision-making and management of anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. We also reviewed the recent literature regarding the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in specific patient groups who may present with difficult intubation, and concluded that the flexible fibrescope maintains its important role in difficult airway management.

A comparison of various supraglottic airway devices for fiberoptical guided tracheal intubation / Uma comparação de vários dispositivos supraglóticos para intubação traqueal guiada por fibra óptica

Abstract Background: Fiberoptical assisted intubation via placed supraglottic airway devices has been described as safe and easy procedure to manage difficult airways. However visualization of the glottis aperture is essential for fiberoptical assisted intubation. Various different supraglottic airway devices are commercially available and might offer different conditions for fiberoptical assisted intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the best obtainable view of the glottic aperture using different supraglottic airway devices. Methods: With approval of the local ethics committee 52 adult patients undergoing elective anesthesia were randomly assigned to a supraglottic airway device (Laryngeal Tube, Laryngeal Mask Airway I-Gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique, Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme, Laryngeal Mask Airway Aura-once). After standardized induction of anesthesia the supraglottic airway device was placed according to the manufacturers recommendations. After successful ventilation the position of the supraglottic airway device in regard to the glottic opening was examined with a flexible fiberscope. A fully or partially visible glottic aperture was considered as suitable for fiberoptical assisted intubation. Suitability for fiberoptical assisted intubation was compared between the groups (H-test, U-test; p < 0.05). Results: Demographic data was not different between the groups. Placement of the supraglottic airway device and adequate ventilation was successful in all attempts. Glottic view suitable for fiberoptical assisted intubation differed between the devices ranging from 40% for the laringeal tube (LT), 66% for the laryngeal mask airway Supreme, 70% for the Laryngeal Mask Airway I-Gel and 90% for both the Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Aura-once. Conclusion: None of the used supraglottic airway devices offered a full or partial glottic view in all cases. However the Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Aura-once seem to be more suitable for fiberoptical assisted intubation compared to other devices.

Resumo Justificativa: A intubação guiada por fibra óptica (IGFO) através de dispositivo supraglótico (DSG) tem sido descrita como um procedimento seguro e fácil para o manejo de via aérea difícil. No entanto, a visibilização da abertura da glote é essencial para a IGFO. Vários DSGs diferentes estão comercialmente disponíveis e podem oferecer diferentes condições para a IGFO. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a melhor visão obtida da abertura da glote com o uso de diferentes DSGs. Métodos: Com a aprovação do Comitê de Ética local, 52 pacientes adultos submetidos à anestesia eletiva foram randomicamente designados para um dos DSGs: tubo laríngeo (TL), máscara laríngea (ML) I-Gel, ML Unique, ML Supreme, ML AuraOnce. Após a indução padronizada da anestesia, o DSG foi colocado de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante. Após ventilação bem-sucedida, a posição do DSG em relação à abertura da glote foi examinada com um endoscópio flexível. Uma abertura da glote total ou parcialmente visível foi considerada como adequada para a IGFO. A adequação para a IGFO foi comparada entre os grupos (teste-H, teste-U; p < 0,05). Resultados: Os dados demográficos não foram diferentes entre os grupos. A colocação do DSG e a ventilação adequada foram bem-sucedidas em todas as tentativas. A visão da glote adequada para a IGFO diferiu entre os dispositivos, variou de 40% para o TL, 66% para a ML Supreme, 70% para a ML I-Gel e 90% para ambas as máscaras laríngeas Unique e AuraOnce. Conclusão: Nenhum dos DSG usados ofereceu uma visão total ou parcial da glote em todos os casos. Porém, as máscaras laríngeas Unique e AuraOnce pareceram mais adequadas para a IGFO em comparação com os outros dispositivos.

Comparison of training in department of anesthesiology for flexible fibreoptic intubation with application of virtual reality simulator and high-fidelity manikin / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy and efficiency of simulation-based training of flexible fibreoptic intubation in novices with virtual reality simulator.Methods A total of 46 anaesthesia residents in their first stage of training in anaesthesiology with no experience in flexible fibreoptic intubation at Peking University People's Hospital were enrolled in the study,and were divided into 2 groups randomly,which were virtual reality simulator group (group S,n=23) and manikin group (group M,n=23).The group S was then trained for 25 times on simulator,while the group M did the same processes on manikin.After training,participants in both groups had their performance assessed with the fibrescope evaluated through the oral route using a simulation manikin,who were instructed to attempt to advance the fibrescope 5 consecutive times to view the carina in the shortest amount of time.The time required to view the carina of each practice during training in both groups were recorded as pooled data to construct group learning curves with the application of SPSS 20.0.By using repeated measures analysis of variance and Ttest,the procedure time and global rating scale (GRS) of fibreoptic bronchoscope manipulation ability were compared between groups,so did the participant's confidence between before and after the training both within-subjects and between-subjects.Results The plateaus in the learning curves were achieved after 19 (15,26) practice sessions in group S and 24 (19,31) in group M,respectively.There was no significant difference in the procedure time [(13.7 ± 6.6) s and (11.9 ±4.1) s] and GRS [(3.9 ±0.4) vs.(3.7 ±0.3)]between groups.There were significant increases in participant's confidences in both groups after training [group S:(1.8 ± 0.5) vs.(3.9 ± 0.6),t=10.928,P=0.000;group M:(2.0 ± 0.7) vs.(3.9 ± 0.5),t=15.306,P=0.000],but there was no significant difference between groups.Conclusion The simulation-based training of flexible fibreoptic intubation in novices with virtual reality simulator is more efficient than the one with manikin,but the similar effects can be achieved in both modalities,after adequate trainings.In the related training a balance between time cost and economic cost should be considered and the appropriate teaching methods and forms should be taken.