Project description:BackgroundCOVID-19 disease often requires invasive ventilatory support. Trans-laryngeal intubation of the trachea may cause laryngeal injury, possibly compounded by coronavirus infection. Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) provides anatomical and functional assessment of the larynx, guiding multidisciplinary management. Our aims were to observe the nature of laryngeal abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 following prolonged trans-laryngeal intubation and tracheostomy, and to describe their impact on functional laryngeal outcomes, such as tracheostomy weaning.MethodsA retrospective observational cohort analysis was undertaken between March and December 2020, at a UK tertiary hospital. The Speech and Language Therapy team assessed patients recovering from COVID-19 with voice/swallowing problems identified following trans-laryngeal intubation or tracheostomy using FEES. Laryngeal pathology, treatments, and outcomes relating to tracheostomy and oral feeding were noted.ResultsTwenty-five FEES performed on 16 patients identified a median of 3 (IQR 2-4) laryngeal abnormalities, with 63% considered clinically significant. Most common pathologies were: oedema (n = 12, 75%); abnormal movement (n = 12, 75%); atypical lesions (n = 11, 69%); and erythema (n = 6, 38%). FEES influenced management: identifying silent aspiration (88% of patients who aspirated (n = 8)), airway patency issues impacting tracheostomy weaning (n = 8, 50%), targeted dysphagia therapy (n = 7, 44%); ENT referral (n = 6, 38%) and reflux management (n = 5, 31%).ConclusionsFEES is beneficial in identifying occult pathologies and guiding management for laryngeal recovery. In our cohort, the incidence of laryngeal pathology was higher than a non-COVID-19 cohort with similar characteristics. We recommend multidisciplinary investigation and management of patients recovering from COVID-19 who required prolonged trans-laryngeal intubation and/or tracheostomy to optimise laryngeal recovery.
Project description:BackgroundTracheostomy and endotracheal intubation can result in subglottic tracheal stenosis, and predisposition to keloid scar formation can increase stenosis risk after tracheal injury. This study aims to compare the incidence and severity of subglottic tracheal stenosis in keloid and non-keloid patients following iatrogenic tracheal injury, in particular tracheostomy.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2017, 218 573 patients were intubated for surgery; 2276 patients received tracheostomy in People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China. Among these patients, 133 patients, who developed tracheal stenosis after intubation and/or tracheostomy, were divided into keloid or non-keloid groups; their Myer and Cotton grading of tracheal stenosis, time-to-onset of airway stenosis, and treatment outcome were assessed and compared.ResultsThe percentages of high grade (Myer and Cotton grading III/IV) tracheal stenosis were higher among keloid patients than non-keloid patients (intubation: 83.3% vs 25.7%; tracheostomy: 77.7% vs 33.3%). Time-to-onset of airway stenosis following intubation (tracheostomy) was 27 ± 5 (38 ± 13) and 41 ± 7 (82 ± 14) days for keloid and non-keloid patients, respectively (P < 0.01). The incidence of tracheal stenosis is higher in keloid than non-keloid subjects (19.4% vs 1.82%, P < 0.001). Keloid patients also required more frequent treatment (P < 0.01) of longer duration, yet cure rate was significantly lower (P < 0.01).ConclusionsOur study suggests that tracheostomized patients with keloid phenotype are more susceptibility to develop iatrogenic tracheal stenosis of greater severity and with poorer treatment outcome. Greater cautions may be required when performing tracheostomy in keloid subjects. More substantive analysis is warranted to establish keloid phenotype as a risk factor for tracheal stenosis.
Project description:A term male newborn infant was apneic at birth, and endotracheal intubation was unsuccessful. He was stabilized for transport with a laryngeal mask airway. Laryngoscopy revealed tracheal atresia with intrathoracic distal tracheoesophageal fistula. A laryngeal mask airway may provide ventilation in tracheal atresia patients with a fistula.
Project description:We presented a case of successful awake endotracheal intubation in a patient with a giant goiter and severe tracheal stenosis. The patient had difficulty in airway management during the perioperative anesthesia due to tracheal deviation and stenosis caused by tumor compression. We applied a visual laryngeal mask combined with fiberoptic bronchoscope to visualize the whole procedure of endotracheal intubation, from visually assessing the glottic, subglottic, and the tracheal conditions, to evaluating the pressure of the tumor on the trachea and the maximum tracheal tube diameter that could be passed. During the entire process, the patient remained awake, maintained spontaneous breathing, and actively cooperated with the clinical staff. Hence, we demonstrated that this method is safe, effective, operable, and could be generalized as a form of endotracheal intubation for patients with known difficult airways.
Project description:Background and aimsSupraglottic airways (SGAs) are generally used for airway management; but can also be used as a conduit for tracheal intubation. Our primary aim was to evaluate i-Gel and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) classic as conduits for tracheal intubation using ventilating bougie by assessing number of attempts and time for insertion of SGAs, ventilating bougie and endotracheal tube (ETT), and total intubation time.Material and methodsA randomized clinical trial was carried out in 58 patients requiring general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation for planned surgery. They were randomly divided into Group I and Group C. After induction of anesthesia, i-Gel was inserted in Group I and LMA Classic in Group C; ventilating bougie was passed through SGA followed by the removal of SGA and railroading of ETT over ventilating bougie. Parameters observed were number of attempts and time taken for device insertion, total intubation time, and hemodynamic variables.ResultsTwenty-nine patients were included in each group. First attempt success rate for SGA insertion (86.2% in Group I and 75.9% in Group C (P = 0.5)), ventilating bougie insertion (79.32% in Group I and 82.8% in Group C (P = 0.99)) and ETT insertion (100% in Group I and 96.5% in Group C) was not different in the two groups. Total intubation time was 93.3 ± 9.0 s in Group I and 108. 96 ± 16.5 s in Group C (P < 0.0001).Conclusionsi-Gel and LMA Classic both can be used as a conduit for tracheal intubation using ventilating bougie with stable hemodynamic parameters.
Project description:BackgroundObesity causes various difficulties in intubation and ventilation, which are confronted due to increased fat tissue in the upper airway and diminished compliance in the chest wall. Videolaryngoscopes and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) are good options as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesologists (ASA) difficult airway guidelines. We aimed to compare ILMA and Airtraq (a channeled videolaryngoscope) in obese patients.MethodsEighty patients with ASA physical status I-III, aged between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index greater than 35 kg.m-2, who were undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation, were included in the study. Patients were intubated with one of the devices cited.ResultsThere was no difference between the number of intubation attempts, insertion times and need for optimisation manoeuvres of Airtraq and ILMA. The intubation with Airtraq was accomplished in a shorter period of time than in that in the ILMA group (29.9±22.1s vs. 50.7±21.2s; p<0.001). A significant difference was found when the times of total intubation were compared (29.9±22.1s vs. 97.4±42.7s; p<0.001). The mean arterial pressure statistically increased after device insertion in the ILMA group (p<0.05).ConclusionsAirtraq appears to be superior to ILMA in obese patients, with a total of time intubation of less than 60 seconds and with low mean arterial pressure changes. However, ILMA is still a useful tool that provides both ventilation and intubation throughout the whole intubation process.
Project description:The word tracheostomy derived from two greek words meaning 'I cut the trachea' has been known for about 3500 yrs. The process has evolved over the years and has undergone revolutionary changes in the methodology, instrumentation and indications. Although tracheostomy is now commonly used the complication rate remains high. In our series it was 48% which is comparable with other series. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the complications of tracheostomy with special attention to their management and prevention.
Project description:BackgroundTracheal rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication that most commonly occurrs after blunt trauma to the chest, but which may also complicate tracheal intubation. We report a case of post-intubation tracheal rupture after cataract surgery under general anesthesia treated conservatively.Case presentationFour hours after extubation, a 67 year-old woman developed subcutaneous emphysema of the facial, bilateral laterocervical and upper anterior chest. Tracheobronchial fiberendoscopy showed a posterior tracheal transmural rupture 4 cm long located 2.5 cm above the carina that opened in inspiration. The location of the lesion and features of the patient favoured conservative treatment with antibiotic cover. The patient made a full and uncomplicated recovery and was discharged fourteen days after the original injury.ConclusionTwo therapeutic strategies are currently employed for post-intubation tracheal rupture: a non-surgical strategy for small injuries and a surgical strategy for larger injuries. This case report presented the non-surgical therapeutic strategy of a large tracheal injury.
Project description:Background:Several studies have identified side effects of general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, such as laryngeal pain, dysphonia, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The laryngeal mask airway (LMAw) is believed to decrease these side effects. The aim of this trial was to compare postoperative discomfort, emergence delirium, and recovery time of patients who received either an LMAw or nasotracheal intubation (NTI). Patients and methods:A total of 70 children were randomly assigned to the LMAw group (n=35) or the NTI group (n=35). Both groups underwent mask induction with 8% sevoflurane. The NTI group received muscle relaxant, whereas the LMAw group did not. Postoperative laryngeal pain, dental pain, dysphonia, and PONV were assessed immediately and at 1 hour and 6 hours postoperatively. The Wong-Baker Faces Scale was used to evaluate the patients' self-reported pain. In addition, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dft/DMFT) values, dental procedure type, number of dental procedures, duration of the dental operation, duration of anesthesia, recovery time, emergence delirium, pediatric dentist's access to the mouth, and parents' satisfaction levels were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and two-sample t-tests. Results:The incidence of postoperative laryngeal pain was significantly higher in the NTI group immediately (97.2% vs. 8.5%, P=0.00), 1 hour (94.2% vs. 0%, P=0.00), and 6 hours postoperatively (25.7% vs. 0%, P=0.00). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in dental pain scores, dft/DMFT values, duration of anesthesia, duration of the dental operation, number of dental procedures, the incidence of PONV, or pediatric dentist's access to the mouth (P>0.05). Emergence delirium and recovery time were significantly higher in the NTI group (P<0.05). Conclusion:The LMAw provided a more comfortable postoperative period than NTI for children who underwent full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.