PLACEMENT OF DOUBLE-LUMEN ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBES: Correlation Between Clinical Impressions and Bronchoscopic Findings

Double-lumen endobronchial tubes were placed "blindly" in 23patients undergoing thoracotomy. Clinical criteria suggestedsatisfactory positioning in all cases; however, subsequent fibreopticbronchoscopy revealed malposition in 48%. Bronchoscopic findingsincluded the inability to view the bronchial cuff. narrowingof the bronchial lumen of the tube at the level of the cuffand herniation of the cuff over the carina. The potential hazardsassociated with these findings are discussed.     

Inflation of the distal cuff by saline reduces the incidence of malposition of the bronchial tube during lung separation in patients receiving nitrous oxide

BACKGROUND: A common problem during lung separation is malposition of the double-lumen tube (DLT). It was hypothesized that inflation of the distal cuff with saline instead of air may reduce the incidence of malposition of the endobronchial tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients who were scheduled to undergo thoracic surgery with lung separation by a DLT were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the distal cuff was inflated with 2 mL of air in the air group (n = 26), whereas the distal cuff was inflated with 1.2 mL of saline in the saline group (n = 26). Anesthesia was maintained by isoflurane, 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide mixture, and incremental injection of epidural ropivacaine, 0.75%. Respiration was controlled by pressure-controlled ventilation. The peak airway pressure was maintained between 20 to 25 cmH2O. The position of the bronchial cuff was evaluated with a fiberoptic bronchoscope just after intubation and 1 and 2 hours after intubation by using a 3-point scale: 0, in exactly the same position as the previous inspection; 1, not in exactly the same position as that in the previous inspection, but there was no possibility that the tube was malpositioned; and 2, the cuff looked as if it was going to become herniated or dislodged. Signs suggesting malposition such as air leakage, high airway pressure, or inflation of the independent lung were recorded. When repositioning was required, the anesthesiologist repositioned the DLT using bronchoscopic observation or clinical signs. The endpoint of this study was the number of patients who required repositioning during surgery. RESULTS: The malposition score at 1 hour and 2 hours after intubation was comparable in the 2 groups (0.6 +/- 0.6 v 0.4 +/- 0.6 and 0.5 +/- 0.8 v 0.2 +/- 0.5, mean +/- standard deviation, air group v saline group, 1 hour and 2 hours after positioning, p = 0.27 and p = 0.33, respectively). However, a significantly higher cumulative number of air-group patients required repositioning of the tube than saline-group patients (13:6, air group:saline group, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Inflation of the distal cuff with saline may reduce the incidence of malpositioning of DLTs during lung separation.     

双腔支气管导管插管深度对患者侧卧位后导管错位发生率的影响

目的 比较左双腔支气管导管不同的插管深度对患者侧卧位后导管错位发生率的影响.方法 选择全麻胸科手术患者60例,在纤维支气管镜(fibroptic bronchoscopy,FOB)引导下将Robertshaw双腔支气管导管(double-lumen tube,DLT)插入左主支气管,采用随机数字表法调整双腔管的位置将其分为3组:Ⅰ组:患者仰卧,从气管腔侧插入FOB,隆突在正前方清晰可见,调整导管使蓝色支气管套囊上缘正好在隆突下可见(充气后);从左支气管腔插入FOB,可清晰看到左肺上叶支气管开口.Ⅱ组:从气管腔侧插入FOB,将蓝色支气管套囊上缘调整在隆突下恰不可见,即从DLT的左支气管腔插入FOB,使隆突正好位于蓝色支气管套囊上缘与左支气管腔壁上不透光黑线的正中央,可清晰看到左上叶支气管开口;Ⅲ组:从气管腔侧插入FOB,左支气管腔壁上不透光黑线正好在隆突下可见,从左支气管腔插入FOB,可清晰看到左肺上叶支气管开口.结果 仰卧位到侧卧位后,DLT头侧移位Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组各11例、4例、2例,Ⅱ、Ⅲ组明显低于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),Ⅱ、Ⅲ组间比较差异无统计学意义;DLT尾侧移位的发生组间比较差异无统计学意义;DLT重新调整Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组各11例、5例、4例,Ⅱ、Ⅲ组明显低于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),Ⅱ、Ⅲ组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 隆突正好位于蓝色支气管套囊上缘与左支气管腔壁上不透光黑线的正中央或左支气管腔壁上不透光黑线正好在隆突下可见明显降低患者侧卧位后错位发生率.     

Bronchial cuff pressure change caused by left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube displacement

PURPOSE: The bronchial cuff pressures (BCPs) of left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) manufactured by Rüsch and Mallinckrodt were measured in 80 patients when the tubes were withdrawn to compare the effect of tube design on BCP change. METHODS: During general anesthesia with muscle relaxation, the cephalad surface of the endobronchial cuff was positioned either 2.5 cm distal to the carina (Rüsch Group R-I; n = 20 and Mallinckrodt Group B-I; n = 20) or just below the carina (Rüsch Group R- II; n = 20 and Mallinckrodt Group B- II; n = 20) and the cuff was inflated to 35 cm H2O. The tube was then withdrawn in 0.5-cm steps until the cuff was 2.0 cm proximal to the carina, the position just before the capnogram or pressure-volume loop of tracheal lumen changed. The BCP at each step was measured. The rate of decrease in BCP was defined as the decrease of BCP divided by the length of displacement of DLT. RESULTS: The rates of decrease from the +2.5 cm position to the end point in Group B-I (7.7+/-0.8 cm H2O x cm(-1) and those from the most proximal acceptable position to the end point in Group B-II (19.5+/-4.8 cm H2O x cm(-1) were greater than those in Group R-I (6.9+/-0.9 cm H2O x cm(-1) (P<0.01) and in Group R-II (12.4+/-3.1 cm H2O x cm(-1)) (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The BCP decreased in both of the Mallinckrodt and Rüsch DLTs, and the rates of decrease of the former were greater than those of the latter.     

New landmarks improve the positioning of the left Broncho-Cath™ double-lumen tube-comparison with the classic technique

PURPOSE: To compare a new technique (NT) for positioning the left modified Broncho-Cath double-lumen tube (LM- DLT) by fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) to the classic technique (CT). METHODS: Sixty-one adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery with LM-DLT were randomly assigned to the NT or to the CT group. For the NT, the endoscopist confirms the left mainstem endobronchial intubation. The proximal edge of the blue bronchial cuff should not be visualized at the carina. Then, through the left bronchial lumen, by transparency across the wall of the tube, the position of the tube is adjusted so that the carina lies midway between the black radiopaque line and the top of the bronchial cuff. After this, the orifice of the left upper lobe (LUL) bronchus should be clearly seen. For the CT, the endoscopist uses the technique described by Benumof and Slinger. After lateral positioning of the patient, the LM-DLT was repositioned if the top of the endobronchial cuff was above the carina or when the LUL bronchus was obstructed. RESULTS: The incidence of proximal repositioning was significantly less in the NT compared to the CT (16% vs 43%, P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Using this new technique, the LM-DLT is inserted deeper in the left mainstem bronchus. This new landmark augments the range of movement that can be tolerated without requiring repositioning of the LM-DLT. This NT to position and to assess LM-DLT, by transparency across the wall of the tube with FOB, is better adapted to the LM-DLT and its recent modifications.     

Use of a neck brace minimizes double-lumen tube displacement during patient positioning

PURPOSE: When patients are moved from the supine to the lateral decubitus position, the double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) is often displaced. The aim of this study was to determine whether a DLT is displaced when there are no movements of the head and neck. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery were randomly divided into control and brace groups. Only a left-sided DLT was used during the study. All patients in the brace group wore a neck collar before the positional change. Using a fibreoptic bronchoscope, the distance from the tracheal opening to the main carina and from the bronchial opening to the bronchial carina was measured in the supine and lateral decubitus positions. RESULTS: Displacement of the DLT (mean +/- SD) during a change from the supine to the lateral decubitus position was greater in the control group (6.3 +/- 5.5 mm in the trachea; 2.4 +/- 3.6 mm in the bronchus) than in the brace group (2.2 +/- 3.9 mm in the trachea; 0.6 +/- 3.1 mm in the bronchus); (P < 0.001). The incidence of clinically significant displacement, greater than 5 mm from the initial correct position, was higher in the control group than in the brace group (48% vs 12%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: By restricting head and neck movements with a neck brace, the DLT displacement could be minimized while positioning patients for thoracotomy. The main cause of the DLT displacement during lateral positioning appears to be related to movement of the head and neck.     

A blind guided technique for placing double-lumen endobronchial tubes.

A new technique is described to aid in achieving a correct blind insertion of an endobronchial tube. The tube is selected by length to fit the distance from the patient's mouth to carina. As the tube is inserted, the position of the endobronchial cuff is monitored. This is done by inflating the bronchial cuff in the trachea and after each breath, advancing the tube down the trachea until only one lung is inflated. This accurately identifies the bronchial cuff as just beyond the carina, at the entrance to the main bronchus. From here, the tube can be advanced precisely into the bronchus to give the optimal conditions for isolation of the right and left lungs.     

Bronchial cuff pressures of two tubes used in thoracic surgery.

The pressure/volume characteristics of the bronchial cuff of a polyvinylchloride (PVC) double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) was compared with the inflatable cuff of a bronchial blocker. At the volumes needed to seal a series of rigid model bronchi the PVC DLT bronchial cuff consistently generated significantly lower pressures than the bronchial blocker cuff.     

Combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker vs. a double-lumen endobronchial tube in thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveThe combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker may reduce postoperative hoarseness and sore throat. We aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of this combination technique in thoracoscopic surgery.DesignA single-center, patient-assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial.SettingNagoya City University Hospital (between November 2020 and April 2022).PatientsA total of 100 adult patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy by video- or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to either group using a combination of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker (pLMA+BB group) or a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT group).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the hoarseness incidence on 1–3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included sore throat, intraoperative complications (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, surgical interruption, malposition of devices, unintended lung expansion, and ventilatory difficulty), lung collapse, device placement-related outcomes, and coughing during emergence.Main resultsA total of 100 patients underwent randomization (51 to the pLMA+BB group and 49 to the DLT group). After drop outs, a total of 49 patients in each group were analyzed per-protocol. The incidences of hoarseness in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 42.9% and 53.1% (difference, −10.2%; 95% confidence interval, −30.1% to 10.3%; p = 0.419), 18.4% vs. 32.7%, and 20.4% vs. 24.5% on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidences of sore throat in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 16.3% vs. 34.7% (difference, −18.4%; 95% confidence interval, −35.9% to −0.9%; p = 0.063) on postoperative day 1. In the pLMA+BB group, more intraoperative complications and less coughing during emergence were observed compared to the DLT group. Lung collapse and placement-related outcomes were comparable between the groups.ConclusionsThe combination of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and bronchial blocker did not significantly reduce hoarseness compared to the double-lumen endobronchial tube.     

基于Mimics软件的成年患者支气管解剖学特征与双腔支气管导管型号的差异

目的 通过Mimics软件构建的支气管三维模型分析成年患者支气管解剖学特征,为临床合理选择双腔支气管导管(DLT)提供参考。方法 第1部分,回顾性分析2021年4—7月行胸部CT检查的成年患者256例,采用Mimics软件构建支气管三维模型并进行多平面重建,测量右支气管内径(RBD)、右支气管长度(RBL和RMSBL)、左支气管内径(LBD)、左支气管长度(LBL),并与临床常用型号DLT相关参数进行比较。第2部分,选择2021年7—11月择期全麻下行左肺手术的成年患者60例,随机分为两组：Mimics软件测量组(M组)和传统方法组(C组),每组30例。M组根据Mimics软件测量的支气管长度和内径值选择导管型号;C组根据患者的性别、身高选择导管型号。计算DLT型号首次选择准确率。结果 第1部分,RBL和RMSBL变异系数较大,右支气管开口于隆突及以上患者3例(1.2%),243例(95%)患者RMSBL≤30 mm,其中50例RMSBL≤18.1 mm。LBD≤35和37 Fr导管外径值以及RBD≤35和37 Fr导管外径值的患者均为女性,女性患者支气管内径≤39 Fr导管外径的人数...     

术中双腔支气管插管位置监测方法的评估

目的比较五种监测方法在术中核查双腔支气管插管位置变化的价值。方法选择需行单肺通气的手术患者60例,放置手术体位后同时监测气道阻力、脉搏血氧饱和度(SpO2)、呼气末二氧化碳分压(PETCO2)、流量-容量环和支气管气囊压力,3min后使用纤维支气管镜对双腔支气管插管位置进行判断及调整。结果气道阻力监测的灵敏度为63．64％,特异度为89．80％;PETCO2监测的灵敏度为54．55％,特异度为87．76％;流量-容量环监测的灵敏度为81．82％,特异度为85．71％。结论气道阻力监测、PETCO2监测、流量-容量环监测有助于临床判断双腔支气管插管位置。     

The effectiveness of ARNDT endobronchial blockers in paediatric scoliosis surgery

Introduction: Although described for paediatric thoracic surgery (1), there is little data on the use of the Arndt endobronchial blocker in paediatric spinal deformity surgery. We present its successful application in these patients. Methods: Thirteen patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis involving a lateral thoracotomy anterior approach were suitable for lung isolation using an Arndt endobronchial blocker. Placement was via an armoured tracheal tube; the endobronchial blockers were 5 or 9 FG with low‐volume low‐pressure cuffs (spherical or elliptical balloons). Placement was by a paediatric anaesthetist trained in paediatric bronchoscopy and required a 2.2 or a 2.8 mm paediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope. Results: Patient ages ranged from 18 months to 18 years and weights from 9 kg to 71 kg. All had idiopathic or congenital scoliosis; one patient underwent a VEPTR procedure. In all 13 patients, placement was easily and promptly achieved with no incorrect placements, displacements (including after patient repositioning), or failures to isolate one lung. Median time of insertion was 5 min (with checks), speed of insertion increasing as experience improved. Inflation times for the blocker balloon ranged from 1.5 h to 5 h. There was no airway trauma; direct bronchial inspection revealed local erythema only. Saturations were supported with 5 cm CPAP to the isolated lung and one‐lung ventilation was well tolerated in all but one patient with acceptable airway pressures (<35 cm water); this one patient required partial lung inflation (blocker in place, balloon not inflated) to maintain adequate saturations and airway pressures. The surgical field was excellent in all cases. Discussion: Complex paediatric spinal surgery may require lung collapse to improve spinal access, and is traditionally achieved using a double‐lumen tracheal tube. Difficulties can arise as the children are often small for age with potentially distorted airway anatomy and there are a limited number of double lumen tube sizes. This can lead to inadequate isolation, a poor surgical field, endobronchial cuff herniation or obstruction of left upper lobe (tube too small or too long). The careful use of the Arndt endobronchial blocker avoids all these problems and enables easy reliable and safe isolation. Potential complications include malposition, migration, and direct airway trauma, allied to the usual complications of one lung anaesthesia. In our series, there were no complications relating to its use and insertion was quick and straightforward. Conclusions: Lung isolation with the Arndt endobronchial blocker is both safe and very effective in paediatric spinal deformity surgery. Reference 1 Wald SH, Mahajan A, Kaplan MB et al. Experience with the Arndt paediatric bronchial blocker. Br J Anaesth 2005; 94 : 92–94.     

The distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe orifice measured by computerised tomography as a guide to right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tube use

Our hypothesis was that the incidence of malposition of a right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tube and right upper lobe collapse may increase when the distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe orifice is less than 23 mm, measured from a computerised tomography scan. A total of 76 patients undergoing left‐sided thoracic surgery were enrolled. Patients with a measured distance of < 23 mm (n = 38) were compared with age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched patients with a distance ≥ 23 mm (n = 38). Right‐sided double‐lumen endobronchial tubes were used universally. We monitored endobronchial tube malposition and incidence of right upper lobe collapse throughout surgery. There was a significantly higher incidence of bronchial cuff herniation in patients with a distance < 23 mm in both the supine position and the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.001). The incidence of intra‐operative malposition in the < 23 mm group was also significantly higher than in the ≥ 23 mm group (31 (82%) vs 8 (21%), respectively, p < 0.001). Right upper lobe collapse was detected postoperatively in five patients (13%) in the distance < 23 mm group, compared to none in the ≥ 23 mm group. We recommend that the distance between the carina and the distal margin of the right upper lobe bronchus should be routinely measured on the pre‐operative computerised tomography scan, and if it is < 23 mm, consideration should be given to using a left‐sided endobronchial double‐lumen tube in preference to a right‐sided one.     

Positioning of a double-lumen endobronchial tube without the aid of any instruments: an implication for emergency management

BACKGROUND: Lung isolation and preservation of normal lung are the first lines of therapy in life-threatening massive hemoptysis. If bleeding continues but the side of origin is uncertain, use of a double-lumen tube (DLT) is reasonable. Utilizing a blind method to locate the bronchial cuff of a left-sided DLT without using any instrument, a DLT (Broncho-Cath, Mallinckrodt Medical Ltd., Athlone, Ireland) was successfully positioned without delay in a patient with massive hemoptysis, where auscultation could be misleading or useless and fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) was inapplicable. This study was performed to discern whether this blind method could substitute for FOB verification or auscultation in most circumstances where these two methods are unavailable or inapplicable. METHODS: After receiving informed consent and hospital ethics board approval, 58 elective thoracic surgical patients, aged 17 to 67 years, were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. A conventional method using an FOB was used to locate the left-sided DLT in 29 patients (group 1). In the other 29 patients (group 2), the blind manual method was used. The left-sided DLT was inserted until some resistance was felt, at which time the bronchial cuff was inflated with approximately 2.0 mL of air. While gently holding the pilot with thumb and index finger of the nondominant hand, the DLT was slowly withdrawn until an abrupt decrease of pilot pressure was sensed. At that moment, the bronchial cuff was deflated, and the DLT was advanced approximately 1.5 cm; using an FOB, its position was checked by an independent observer not involved in positioning the DLT. Success was defined as the point when the proximal margin of the carina was within the margin of safety for the DLT, which is defined as the difference between the length of the left main bronchus and the length of the tube between the proximal margin of the left bronchial cuff and the left lumen tip. Postoperative FOB was performed to evaluate bronchial injury. RESULTS: In 26 of 29 patients (group 2), the position of the DLT was bronchoscopically confirmed to be a success. The other three cases were deemed to be too shallow; specifically, the bronchial cuffs were slightly herniated onto the carina (acceptable position). This method was more traumatic than FOB-guided DLT intubation (conventional method) (p = 0.001); however, the most severe damage was erosion. CONCLUSION: This method, which requires no specific instrument and no time-consuming technique, can be taught easily and may be used in a situation where the rapidity of lung isolation or collapse is the key to saving life. We conclude that this blind method can be an alternative to the FOB and/or auscultation for the positioning of DLT in an emergency situation.     

Left double lumen tube malposition

Editor—We read with interest the paper by Inoue and colleagues¹describing the importance of left double lumen tube (L-DLT)malpositioning during one-lung ventilation (OLV) and the prevalenceof hypoxaemia. The authors defined their correct DLT position according toSlinger² as ‘an unobstructed view into the left upperand lower lobe bronchus through the endobronchial lumen withthe bronchial cuff immediately     

Double lumen tube location predicts tube malposition and hypoxaemia during one lung ventilation

Background. Poor positioning of an endobronchial double lumentube (DLT) could affect oxygenation during one lung ventilation(OLV). We set out to relate DLT position to hypoxaemia and DLTmisplacement during OLV. Methods. We recruited 152 ASA physical status I–II patientsabout to have elective thoracic surgery. The trachea was intubatedwith a left-sided DLT. Tube position was assessed by fibre-opticscope and correction was made after patient positioning andduring OLV. If Pa_O2 was less than 10.7 kPa, the DLT positionwas checked and then PEEP, continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP), oxygen insufflation, or two lung ventilation (TLV) weretried. Results. The DLT was found to be misplaced in 49 patients (32%)after patient positioning, and in 38 patients (25%) during OLV.PEEP to the dependent lung, CPAP or apneic oxygen insufflationto the non-dependent lung, or brief periods of TLV, were appliedin 46 patients (30%). Patients who had DLT malposition afterplacing the patient in the lateral position had a greater incidenceof DLT malposition during OLV (59 vs 9%) and also required eachintervention more frequently (57 vs 10%). Patients with DLTmalposition during OLV also required interventions more often(84 vs 12%). Conclusions. Patients who have DLT malposition after placingthe patient in the lateral position had more DLT malpositionduring OLV and hypoxaemia during OLV. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 195–201     

A NEW VALVELESS ALL-PURPOSE VENTILATOR: Clinical Evaluation

Preliminary clinical evaluation of a new ventilator, which embodiesa new valveless design principle and a circuit which is opento atmosphere, has been performed on adult patients undergoingsurgery. Using normal respiratory fresh gas flows (100ml kg^–1min^–1) PaCO₂ and PaO₂ were the same as with a conventionalventilator. High frequency ventilation (HFV) up to 100 b.p.m.caused no statistically significant changes in PacO₂ and PaO₂.The peak airway pressures were 30% less than with a Manley ventilatorand decreased by a further 40% during HFV. PEEP, NEEP, CPAPand IMV were easily applied.     

Double-lumen tube placement with the patient in the supine position without a headrest minimizes displacement during lateral positioning

Purpose

The correct position of double-lumen tubes (DLTs) is customarily confirmed after tracheal intubation by bronchoscopy with the patient supine on a headrest. However, displacement of DLTs usually occurs during lateral positioning because of neck extension. This study was undertaken to determine whether displacement of DLTs could be minimized during lateral positioning if DLTs were positioned without a headrest.

Methods

One hundred patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were randomized into two groups (n?=?50 each). After tracheal intubation using a headrest, adjustment of DLT position was performed according to group assignment, i.e., either with the headrest in place or without the headrest. Using a bronchoscope, distances from the tracheal opening to the main carina and from the bronchial opening to the left bronchial carina were measured in both the supine and lateral positions.

Results

Displacement of DLTs [mean (standard deviation)] during lateral positioning was greater in the headrest group than in the no-headrest group [12.3 (6.5) mm vs 6.8 (5.5) mm, respectively, in the trachea; 11.6 (6.7) mm vs 6.0 (4.6) mm, respectively, in the bronchus; P?<?0.001]. The incidence of significant displacement, defined as?>?10?mm from initial correct position, was greater in the headrest group than in the no-headrest group (64% vs 28%, respectively, in the trachea; 58% vs 20%, respectively, in the bronchus; P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Displacement of DLTs during lateral positioning appears to be caused primarily by extension of the neck. Correct adjustment of DLT position without a headrest in the supine position is an easy and effective method to minimize DLT displacement during lateral positioning (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01413347).     

Bronchoscopic palliation of primary lung cancer: Single or multimodality therapy?

Background An obstructing primary lung cancer is a challenging disease frequently requiring endobronchial interventional therapy. A variety of interventional modalities, including Nd:YAG laser, stenting, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and endoluminal brachytherapy, are utilized to relieve airway obstruction and bleeding. The aim of this study is to compare the effect on patient survival of bronchoscopic palliation for lung cancer utilizing one interventional modality compared to the use of combination of modalities to relieve the airway problem.Methods We reviewed our longitudinal experience with interventional bronchoscopy in 75 patients who underwent 176 procedures for the management of endobronchial lung cancer between 1994 and 2002. Indication for intervention was hemoptysis in 24 patients (32%) and airway obstruction in the remaining. Six patients died within 30 days from the first intervention and were excluded. Forty of the surviving 69 patients (58%) were treated with a single interventional modality (group A). In 29 patients (42%) a multimodality endoscopic treatment was utilized (group B). Single-modality treatment in group A included Nd-YAG laser in 60%, stent in 17%, brachytherapy in 20%, and PDT in 3%. A variety of combinations of the aforementioned modalities were used in group B to enhance airway patency. Patient data were compared with the Students t-test and chi-square test. Survival analysis and the log rank test were used to compare difference in survival between the two groups. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant.Results There were 46 males and 23 females, with a mean age of 67 years. The tumor was located in the trachea 9%, in the carina in 7%, and primary bronchial in 84%. Two patients had complications due to stent malposition. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to age, gender, tumor location, histology, and type of previous cancer therapy. There was a significant improvement in survival for the multimodality group (p = 0.04). The 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rate for groups A and B was 51.3% versus 50% and 2.3% versus 22%, respectively.Conclusions Improvement in survival can be seen with diligent airway surveillance after interventional bronchoscopy and liberal use of a variety of endobronchial treatment modalities for airway obstruction or bleeding. Physicians involved in the management of this difficult problem should be versed in the use of all available treatment modalities to enhance therapeutic outcome.     

Anesthetic management of a patient with tracheal bronchus with one lung ventilation]

A 56-year-old-male with malignant pleural mesothelioma of the left lung underwent pneumonectomy and pleurectomy. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was not done preoperatively. Anesthesia was induced rapidly and a double-lumen endobronchial tube was inserted. When we checked the position of the tube with a fiberoptic bronchoscope, we found that the normal right upper lobe bronchus was absent and that the inflated tracheal cuff had obstructed the right upper lobe bronchus originating above the carina. Then we changed the double-lumen endobronchial tube to a endotracheal tube with the blocker. Thereafter, the surgery was completed safely and his postoperative course was uneventful. Routine bronchoscopy is essential just after intubation and before extubation of the endobronchial tube in safe airway management. How to use a fiberoptic bronchoscope to check the position of a double-lumen endobronchial tube is also discussed.