Left bronchial intubation by a single-lumen tube in adults: effects of bevel and curvature.

This study was designed to determine whether left bronchial intubation could be accomplished by reversal of the direction of the bevel or by changing the direction of curvature of a normal tracheal tube. The 60 study patients were divided into three groups. In group 1, the patients were intubated in the usual manner, with bevel to the left and the tube concave anteriorly. In group 2, the normal tracheal tube was rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise during insertion. In group 3, the bevel of the tracheal tube was altered to face the right, with the tube still concave anteriorly. In group 1, all 20 tracheal tubes entered the right primary bronchus. In group 2, 14 tracheal tubes (70%) entered the left primary bronchus. In group 3, 18 tubes entered the right primary bronchus and 2 entered the left. The position of the bevel did not influence the positioning of the tracheal tube in the right or left bronchus. In summary, 90 degrees counterclockwise rotation from the usual position and altering the concavity of the tube to face the left significantly increased the likelihood of intubation of the left primary bronchus.

Pneumothorax during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

We present a case of 100% pneumothorax in a 41-yr-old man with a history of gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux scheduled for Nissen fundoplication. The patient was anaesthetized, and insufflation of the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide was performed uneventfully. There was an increase in the peak inspiratory pressure and wheezing was noted with a decrease in the arterial oxygen saturation to 91%. An obstructive pattern was noted on the end tidal carbon dioxide monitor. The patient also had decreased breath sounds in the left lung field. The endotracheal tube was withdrawn 1.5 cm with equal breath sounds noted in both lung fields, but the wheezing persisted. At the end of the case the trocars were removed and the abdomen was deflated. The arterial oxygen saturation increased to 94% while breathing F1O2 of 1.0. A chest roentgenogram showed a 100% left pneumothorax. A left chest tube was placed with immediate improvement of the arterial oxygen saturation to 100%. We recommend monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation, peak inspiratory pressures, and excursion of the chest for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of pneumothorax during laparoscopic procedures.