Endobronchial Intubation for One-lung Ventilation with the Aid of 5.1 mm Fiberoptic Bronchoscope in Mediastinal Tumor Removal: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

General anesthesia for the removal of a large mediastnal tumor has been troublesome job for anesthesiologists due to life- threatening complications such as airway obstruction, cardiovascular collapse etc. during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Anticipation and prevention of possible complications are important aspects of the safe anesthesia for mediastinal tumor removal. We experienced a general anesthesia for the 60 years old patient with a large right superior and posterior mediastnal mass that has compressed and deformed the main trachea towards the left side. Instead of routine double lumen or Univent tube intubation, we performed left endobronchial intubation with ordinary single lumen endotracheal tube by fiberoptic bronchoscope for rapid and accurate intubation. One-lung ventilation was uneventful during surgery. This case demonstrates that endobronchial intubation with 5.1 mm fiberoptic bronchoscope can be one of the options for rapid and secure airway for the removal of large mediastinal mass.