A tubeless anaesthetic technique for paediatric laryngeal laser surgery

Strategies for CO2 Laser Use in Laryngeal Microsurgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

We aim to systematically review the literature addressing perioperative practices for optimal use of the CO2 laser in laryngeal transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), with a focus on safety.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of publications indexed in Medline, Embase, and EBM reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials which evaluated perioperative strategies for the use of CO2 laser in laryngeal TOLMS was conducted.

REVIEW METHODS

Records obtained from the search strategy were assessed for eligibility in a 2-step process by 2 independent researchers using the Covidence software.

RESULTS

Among 2143 identified records, 103 were included in this study. The majority of studies (n = 25) focused on the use of the CO2 laser in oncologic resection, while 20 addressed the treatment of vocal cord paralysis, 16 discussed the treatment of pediatric or congenital pathologies, 11 detailed the management of benign lesions, and 31 studies tackled other surgical indications. Strategies for safe CO2 TOLMS were highly heterogeneous across studies and included preoperative measures (ie, related to the environment, staff preparation, patient protection, and ventilation), intraoperative precautions (ie, protection of nontarget structures, technical considerations, topical and systemic medications), and postoperative strategies (ie, related to airway protection, oral intake, vocal rest, hospitalization duration, drug regimen, and consultant follow-up).

CONCLUSION

The results provided in this study can be used as a framework to guide the creation of laser safety protocols across institutions, guide quality improvement initiatives, the development of simulation training activities, and as a tool to facilitate resident teaching and skill assessment.

The use of a double-lumen central venous catheter for airway management in pediatric patients undergoing laryngeal papillomatosis surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a double-lumen central venous catheter (DLCVC) in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.

METHODS

Thirty-six pediatric patients with laryngeal papillomatosis undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery were anesthetized with oxygen and volatile anesthetic insufflation while spontaneously breathing. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of 8% sevoflurane in oxygen by mask. Atropine, dexamethasone, lidocaine, and midazolam were administered intravenously. The tip of a 7Fr DLCVC was inserted below the glottis after placement of the laryngoscope and establishing suspension. Anesthesia was maintained with insufflation of 4-6% sevoflurane and oxygen with a total fresh gas flow of 6 l·min(-1) through the 14G (larger lumen) of the DLCVC. Endtidal carbon dioxide tension (PetCO2) was monitored using the other lumen of the DLCVC, which was connected to the CO2 sampling line. Duration of the procedure as well as total anesthesia time was recorded. Electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and PetCO2 were also monitored. Arterial blood was sampled for blood gas analysis including pH, PaO2 , PaCO2 , and actual base excess (ABE). Complications, including intraoperative patient movement, hypoxemia (SpO2 < 95% during oxygen insufflation), nausea, vomiting, bronchospasm, and arrhythmias, were recorded.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in PetCO2 and PaCO2 (P values <0.05) as well as a decrease in ABE, pH, and PaO2 (P values <0.05) in samples collected before and after surgery. MAP, HR, and SpO2 after surgery were not significantly different from after induction values (P values >0.05). During surgery, SpO2 < 95% in three cases and body movements in three cases were observed. No patient had any other of the complications previously described. Furthermore, no postsurgical endotracheal intubation was needed in any patient.

CONCLUSION

After establishing an adequate depth of anesthesia, a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a DLCVC is feasible in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.

Anesthesia management in pediatric patients with laryngeal papillomatosis undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery and a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The excision of laryngeal papillomas poses a great challenge for both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. The narrowness of the airways and the great variability of the pathological lesions necessitate close collaboration between the surgical and anesthesia teams to provide optimal operating conditions and ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Our aim was to explore perioperative anesthesia management in pediatric patients during the excision of laryngeal papillomas with a suspension laryngoscope.

METHODS

Fifty-eight pediatric patients suffering from laryngeal papillomas were included in this retrospective study. These patients had degrees of laryngeal obstruction from I to III and underwent suspension laryngoscopic surgery to excise laryngeal papillomas between January 2007 and December 2010. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of the patients ranged from I to III. Anesthesia was induced by intravenous administration. Once the child was unconscious, a 2% lidocaine aerosol solution was sprayed over the laryngeal area directly under the laryngoscope. For patients to tolerate suspension laryngoscopy, it is necessary to maintain spontaneous breathing and ensure adequate anesthesia depth. The airway was secured, and sufficient ventilation was established throughout a tracheal tube (ID 2.5 or 3.0) which was placed close to glottis and connected to Jackson Rees system. Hemodynamic parameters and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) were closely monitored, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Most of the patients 89% (52/58) were hemodynamically stable during the perioperative period. Laryngospasm and laryngeal edema occurred in several children during emergence from the anesthesia. Tracheal intubations were performed in six patients (10.3%). Tracheotomies were performed in two patients. One patient had to be sent to the ICU for comprehensive therapy.

CONCLUSION

The most important consideration for anesthesia during suspension laryngoscopy is (1) the maintenance of adequate ventilation, (2) to permit surgical exposure, and (3) to maintain suitable depth of anesthesia which relaxes the vocal band, avoids laryngeal spasms (reflex closure), reduces cardiovascular reaction and wakes up quickly after operation. Any factors that aggravate laryngeal obstruction and dyspnea should be avoided.

Airway management in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for severe laryngeal obstruction caused by papillomatosis

OBJECTIVES

To review perioperative airway management and ventilation strategy during the surgical removal of papilloma under suspension laryngoscopy in pediatric patients with severe airway obstruction.

METHODS

Seventy pediatric patients with degree III and IV laryngeal obstruction who underwent suspension laryngoscopy to remove laryngeal papillomatosis, between July 2005 and March 2009, were included in the study. All patients were intubated initially to secure the airway. Controlled ventilation through an endotracheal (ET) tube was used during the papilloma debulking near the glottis vera. Spontaneous ventilation or apneic technique was adopted based on the stage of the surgical procedure and the location of the remaining tumor. Hemodynamic parameters, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and CO(2) were closely monitored, and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The duration of the surgical operation and the duration of the extubation period were 5-35 min and 5-20 min, respectively. Thirty cases with degree III and twenty cases with degree IV laryngeal obstruction received inhalation induction. Sixteen cases with degree III laryngeal obstruction were given an intravenous induction. Four patients admitted with a comatose status were emergently intubated without any anesthetics. The ET tube size was determined by assessing the opening through the tumor mass or glottic aperture under direct laryngoscopy. SpO(2) was maintained above 97% after the airway was secured and sufficient ventilation established. Controlled ventilation was used in all children during the bulk removal of tumor. Spontaneous respiration and apneic technique were adopted for the removal of the remaining tumor in the hypolarynx or trachea in 16 and 28 cases, respectively. Three patients had to be re-intubated postoperatively because of persistent desaturation or laryngospasm.

CONCLUSION

Key points of perioperative airway management in pediatric patients with papillomatosis-induced severe laryngeal obstruction include careful preoperative airway evaluation; the proper choice of induction methods, and ET tube size; maintenance of an adequate depth of anesthesia; and flexible ventilation strategy, continuous and close monitoring during the extubation and postextubation period; and prompt management of adverse events.

Tubeless anaesthesia with sevoflurane and propofol in adult laryngeal surgery

The presence of endotracheal intubation tube or jet ventilation cannula can compromise free view and access to operation area in certain endolaryngeal operations. The objective of this prospective study was to test whether adequate level of anaesthesia could be obtained in adults using tubeless sevoflurane inhalation anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing. In 23 ASA 1-2 patients, 31 treatments were included in the study of which 19 were laser-assisted papilloma or other tumour resections and 12 were fascia injection laryngoplasties. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained by insufflating sevoflurane mixture to the patient's oropharynx. The adequacy of the anaesthesia level was assessed by monitoring bispectral index, haemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation during the anaesthesia. The ENT surgeon estimated operating conditions, whilst the two participating anaesthesiologists assessed the quality of anaesthesia using a 100 mm VAS scale. Sevoflurane contamination in the operating theatre was measured during five treatments. Mean bispectral index was below 40 throughout the operation. Haemodynamic parameters showed only minor changes during the anaesthesia. Both attending anaesthesiologists and operating ENT surgeon were satisfied with the quality of the anaesthesia and operating conditions (VAS 83 ± 15, mean ± SD, range 42-100, and VAS 93 ± 10, range 55-100, respectively). Sevoflurane room air contamination was high in most measured cases. The modification of tubeless inhalation anaesthesia used in this study produced adequate level of anaesthesia with stable haemodynamics and good operating conditions. Sevoflurane contamination can be reduced with more efficient scavenging systems.