The laryngeal mask and high-frequency jet ventilation for resection of high tracheal stenosis

Airway management by i-gel for open tracheal resection and reconstruction via combined cervicotomy and sternotomy surgical approach: A case report

Surgical resection and tracheal reconstruction are the most effective treatment options for airway stenosis. Tracheal surgery is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach and a highly specialized team of anesthesiologists and thoracic surgeons that are "sharing the airways". Several airway management tools, different devices, and various approaches can be required to ensure ventilation and gas exchange. We describe the case of a patient affected by tight tracheal stenosis, submitted to tracheal resection and reconstruction via combined cervicotomy and sternotomy surgical approach. Airway management was successfully performed by i-gel^® (Intersurgical, UK) supraglottic device.

Successful ventilation through a Rüsch intubation guide catheter in severe laryngotracheal stenosis

BACKGROUND

Providing adequate ventilation may remain complex in patients with severe proximal laryngotracheal stenosis, especially when the airway is shared with the surgeon during tracheal resection surgery. We describe an effective alternative to standard endotracheal intubation using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter.

METHODS

In two patients undergoing tracheal repair surgery, we failed to insert a 5.0 inner diameter endotracheal tube (6.9 mm outer diameter) or a 6.0 mm outer diameter endoscope through the laryngotracheal stenosis. However, using indirect laryngoscopy, a 6.0 outer diameter Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter was passed successfully through the vocal cords and then through the stenosis. Controlled ventilation was achieved by means of the Rüsch guide, provided with its two large Murphy's eyes. When the trachea was opened, the Rüsch guide was removed just enough for the surgeons to place a Montandon tracheal tube, at that point taking over ventilation. A 7.0 inner diameter endotracheal cuffed tube had been inserted onto the Rüsch guide and left pending upstream from the vocal cords. Once the posterior tracheal wall was sutured, this endotracheal cuffed tube was slid along the Rüsch guide through the vocal cords with the cuff placed beyond the tracheal sutures.

RESULTS

Controlled ventilation through the Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter showed satisfying and stable ventilatory parameters in both patients. Inspiratory pressures of 25-30 mmHg were enough to reach adequate tidal volumes around 450 ml. End tidal CO₂ was kept between 35 and 40 mmHg (PaCO₂ showed similar values). Standard endotracheal intubation at the end of the tracheal resection was easy and safe thanks to the Rüsch guide still in place between the vocal cords.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest an effective and reliable method using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter for airway management in patients suffering from laryngotracheal stenosis in the setting of tracheal repair surgery.

Laryngeal mask for airway management in open tracheal surgery-a retrospective analysis of 54 cases

Background

Airway management in tracheal resections presents many challenges. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to report the efficacy and complications associated with the use of the laryngeal mask airway in this procedure.

Methods

The charts of 54 consecutive patients operated for tracheal stenosis during the period 2009-2016 were reviewed. This cohort included only resections of the trachea. We evaluated total success rate of laryngeal mask insertion (%), insertion success rate on the first attempt, the quality of intraoperative ventilation through the laryngeal mask, the quality of fibre optic view through the device, incidence of bleeding during the first 24 h, signs of dehiscence of the anastomosis within 48 h and 30-day mortality.

Results

The laryngeal mask airway provided a patent airway throughout the procedure in 52 (96.4%) patients. Insertion of the device failed in 1 (1.8%) patient due to abnormal upper airway anatomy. Another patient (1.8%) developed laryngeal mask malposition during intraoperative neck extension subsequently requiring tracheal intubation. Fibre optic view through the devices including insertion of the flexible bronchoscope was satisfactory in 52 (96.4%) patients. Serious complications, such as pulmonary aspiration, early postoperative bleeding or suture dehiscence were not observed in this cohort.

Conclusions

Based on this analysis of 54 patients, we would consider the laryngeal mask airway a feasible alternative to the tracheal tube for airway management and ventilation during open tracheal surgery.

The anesthesia of trachea and bronchus surgery

The trachea and bronchus surgery is generally performed due to stenosis, traumatic injury, foreign body and tumors. Preoperative evaluation and anesthesia management are very important issues because of higher mortality and morbidity rates. Patients may be asymptomatic, but airway difficulties, hypoxia, stridor, cough, hemoptysis are common conditions in these patient population. The collaboration between the surgeon and the anesthesiologist is very substantial and necessary. Anesthetic techniques include various applications such as one lung ventilation, fiberoptic intubation, jet ventilation, and apneic oxygenation, general anesthesia with or without neuromuscular blockade. In this review, anesthesia management of the trachea and bronchus surgery is evaluated in the light of new knowledge.

Anesthesia for tracheal and endobronchial interventions

Tracheal and endobronchial interventions constitute a wide variety of procedures offering unique challenges in perioperative airway management and ventilatory support. Elective or emergent anesthetic management is individualized according to underlying airway pathology, coexisting disease, and patient age. This review explores recent literature and reports on relevant advances in anesthetic care.