Hyaline membrane disease of the neonate prolonged intubation in management: Effects on the larynx

Hyaline membrane disease, an illness of premature neonates, is associated with 20–30% of all neonatal deaths and 50–70% of premature deaths in the United States. Often related to perinatal hypoxia, its basic pathophysiology consists of surfactant deficiency with diffuse atelectasis, and pulmonary hypoperfusion. With expanding knowledge of hyaline membrane disease, methods of management evolved to the use of assisted ventilation with endotracheal tubes. One hundred twenty-two surviving infants with hyaline membrane disease were intubated for periods of four to 112 days at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center over a five-year period. Their clinical courses, and effects of intubation on their larynges, are discussed. Autopsy examination of 30 neonatal larynges after intubation revealed a high incidence of ulcerations within the cricoid area. The neonate's tolerance of intubation must be due to resiliency of its cricoid cartilage. Microscopic changes in cartilage with growth are demonstrated. With growth, cartilage matrix increases; it becomes less hydrated, more fibrous, and more rigid. Neonates with normal larynges can tolerate long periods of intubation with polyvinyl chloride, uniform diameter, endotracheal tubes. With the use of principles successful in neonatal intubation, older patients can tolerate longer periods of intubation than was acceptable in earlier years; however, while intubation of neonates can be measured in weeks, in older patients it should still be measured in days.     

Laryngeal mask versus endotracheal tube in a ferret model

Acquired subglottic stenosis in infants is a difficult iatrogenic problem with notable morbidity, primarily caused by prolonged endotracheal intubation. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a recently developed, alternative airway device that does not contact the subglottis. To explore the possibility of preventing subglottic stenosis, we compared the endotracheal tube (ETT) and the LMA in terms of the incidence and severity of glottic and subglottic injury resulting from prolonged intubation in the adult ferret model of the infant airway. Ten adult ferrets were randomly intubated under inhalational anesthesia with either a 4.0 cuffless ETT or a size 1 LMA for a 24- to 48-hour period. Rigid laryngeal endoscopy was used to detect pharyngeal or glottic injury during the period of intubation and on a routine basis for 3 months after extubation. All 5 ferrets in the ETT group developed endoscopically evident glottic and subglottic injury; 2 of the 5 developed a symptomatic, mature subglottic stenosis. The 5 ferrets in the LMA group had endoscopically normal larynges. However, all ferrets in the LMA group developed significant tongue edema and cyanosis during the first 24 hours of intubation, and 3 of the 5 died of respiratory failure due to airway obstruction. In the 2 LMA survivors, evidence of oropharyngeal injury persisted until 6 weeks after extubation. We conclude that the LMA does not cause subglottic injury in this model. However, its prolonged use results in significant pharyngeal morbidity that raises serious doubt as to its potential routine use in infants requiring prolonged ventilatory support.     

Neonatal nasotracheal intubation: An evaluation

A retrospective review of 100 surviving infants, all requiring nasotracheal intubation in the neonatal period for greater than 24 hr. was performed to assess the morbidity of this form of airway management. Seventy infants needed only one intubation, 22 were intubated twice and 8 infants required 3 intubations. No infant had evidence of laryngeal or tracheal sequelae, either in the immediate newborn period or on follow-up. Nasotracheal intubation by an experienced practitioner with appropriate tube fixation and toilet coupled with the use of low pressure ventilation and a consistent extubation routine will result in very low long-term tracheal morbidity in the neonate.     

Down syndrome: analysis of airway size and a guide for appropriate intubation

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the airway size of children with Down syndrome (DS). Previous studies have observed an increase in postintubation stridor in children with DS. Anesthetic literature suggests using a smaller endotracheal tube in children with DS, but more specific recommendations are not offered. With this study, recommendations are presented for the appropriate endotracheal tube size to use in children with DS undergoing intubation. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized study was performed on a cohort of 42 children with DS and 32 control subjects. Sizing of the airway was assessed through measurement of an air leak around the endotracheal tube at intubation. The size of the airway was also evaluated through measurements of the tracheal diameter at the "tracheotomy point" on magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) studies of the head and neck which were performed on a group of children with DS. These were compared with normative values of the tracheal diameter in children. METHODS: The proper size of endotracheal tube in a population of children with DS and in a group of normal controls was determined. The "proper size" of an endotracheal tube was defined as that size of tube which allowed an audible air leak around the tube between 10 and 30 cm of H2O pressure. Anesthetic technique was controlled and identical for all study subjects. Participants had no previous history of airway compromise, stridor, or previous intubation. Weight and age were recorded and evaluated for their influence on the results. A retrospective evaluation was made of MRI studies of the neck that were performed on children with DS. Using measurement techniques described by Reed et al., the tracheal diameters at the "tracheostomy point" were compared with normative values for children. Measurements were both obtained by the author and confirmed by a pediatric radiologist. RESULTS: Using this prescribed method to determine the proper size of endotracheal tube, the control group used endotracheal tubes that were predicted from established anesthesia charts and formulas. However, children with DS required endotracheal tubes at least two sizes smaller. Age was found to be a more reliable factor in predicting the endotracheal tube size. A table of endotracheal tube sizes for intubation in children with DS is presented. Evaluation of the tracheal diameter at the tracheotomy point revealed that children with DS have a smaller trachea when compared with control children. It is not only the subglottis that is smaller; the tracheal diameter as well must be assumed to be of a smaller diameter in children with DS. CONCLUSIONS: Children with DS have smaller airways than other children. This is because of an overall decrease in the diameter of the tracheal lumens. Initial intubation of a child with DS should be performed with an endotracheal tube at least two sizes smaller than would be used in a child of the same age without DS, to avert potential trauma to the airway.     

Neonatal subglottic stenosis--incidence and trends

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Neonatal subglottic stenosis is a known entity arising from endotracheal tube intubation. In the 1970s and 1980s, estimates of the incidence of subglottic stenosis were in the range of 0.9% to 8.3% of intubated neonates. Because of improved techniques of handling neonates who require ventilatory support, we thought the actual incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis in the late 1990s was much lower. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) admissions from 1997 at our institution, which serves as a level 3 NICU. We also performed a MEDLINE search of the reported incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis between 1960 and 1999. METHODS: Analysis was performed to identify all children who developed subglottic stenosis at our institution. Data were also collected and analyzed with regard to average gestational age, average birth weight, average duration of intubation, and the number of children requiring tracheostomy. The reports identified in the literature were reviewed as to the incidence of subglottic stenosis. RESULTS: A total of 544 neonates were admitted to the unit. Of these, 281 were intubated for an average of 11 days. No patients developed subglottic stenosis. Three patients required tracheostomies for other reasons. All studies published after 1983 reported an incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis as less than 4.0%, and all studies published after 1990 reported an incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis as less than 0.63%. CONCLUSIONS: Although our report applies to only a single institution in a single year, after reviewing the literature we think a downward trend exists in the incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis in the late 1990s. The current incidence of neonatal subglottic stenosis is likely between 0.0% and 2.0%.     

Prevention of airway complications in thyroplasty patients requiring endotracheal intubation.

Patients who have undergone silicone vocal cord medialization and require additional surgery are at risk for airway complications. There is a narrowed glottic aperture that may be prone to develop postoperative laryngeal edema and prosthesis extrusion. This study was designed to assess the management of this difficult airway and to determine the frequency of postintubation complications. We identified 82 patients who had undergone vocal cord medialization with silicone implants between 1991 and 1995. Seventeen of these patients underwent additional surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia. A retrospective review of these patients' charts was performed to determine the management of the airway and the incidence of postintubation complications. There were no postintubation complications in the 17 patients who were studied. The duration of surgery ranged from 40 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes. Two patients were ventilated via bronchoscope, and 15 patients were intubated orally. The endotracheal tubes ranged from size 6 to size 9 (median size 8). None of the patients required perioperative steroids. All patients were successfully extubated in the recovery room. No patients required intubation or tracheotomy, and there were no implant extrusions. In this study, the incidence of postintubation airway complications in patients who had undergone previous thyroplasty was minimal. Nevertheless, the potential for airway compromise exists. We recommend preoperative discussion with the anesthesiologist, atraumatic intubation with a small endotracheal tube, and diligent observation for airway compromise.     

Retrograde nasal intubation via the cleft in Pierre-Robin Sequence neonates: A case series

Pierre-Robin Sequence, the triad of glossoptosis, micrognathia and cleft palate, provides a challenge in airway management both in and out of the operating room. Transnasal intubation is greatly preferred during its surgical intervention for maximum oral exposure in these very small patients without the added encumbrance of an oral endotracheal tube. From 2001 to 2009, three neonates with Pierre-Robin Sequence who underwent surgery to improve their airway had a novel method of securing a transnasal airway performed in the operating theater. After successful placement of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and subsequent endotracheal intubation via the LMA, this technique was used to convert from an oral to a nasal intubation. After the LMA is removed, a smaller endotracheal tube is placed into the nose and out of the mouth via the cleft in each of these patients. This smaller tube is then telescoped into the larger one and secured with suture. Both tubes are subsequently backed out of the nose in a retrograde fashion and disarticulated so that the now transnasal endotracheal tube can be re-connected to the anesthesia circuit. This case series highlights a rapid technique utilizing the patient's congenital defect for securing a transnasal airway alternative to that of transnasal fiberoptic intubation in Pierre-Robin Sequence neonates.     

Is nasotracheal intubation safe in surgery for mandibular cancer?

A retrospective study of problems of postoperative airway maintenance after surgery for mandibular cancers was conducted. Twenty-seven patients treated in an intensive care unit after mandibular resection and primary reconstruction were included. The mean duration of nasotracheal intubation in 22 patients was 33.7 hours. Reintubation because of breathing difficulties was required in four cases. In one of these cases, failed intubation led to an emergency cricothyroidostomy. Failure to perform reintubation resulted in the death of one patient. One patient was tracheostomized after 5 days of nasotracheal intubation. Prolonged nasotracheal intubation after major surgery for oral malignant neoplasms may be an alternative to tracheostomy, provided that adequate monitoring is available after extubation. The safe duration of endotracheal intubation is difficult to determine. Primary reconstruction does not eliminate the need for an artificial airway after tumor surgery.     

Middle ear effusion in intensive care unit patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors related to the occurrence of middle ear effusion (MEE) in prolonged endotracheal intubation patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Information about the age, sex, duration of endotracheal intubation, level of consciousness, and placement of nasogastric tube was retrospectively collected from medical charts of 20 prolonged endotracheal intubation (>7 days) patients in the ICU. All patients received otoscopic examination, tympanometry studies, and spectral gradient acoustic reflectometry for evidence of MEE. RESULTS: Among the 40 ears examined in this study, 20 ears had MEE (50%), 14 ears were normal (35%), and 6 ears had negative pressure in the middle ear (15%). In addition, patients with conscious disturbance and those who had been intubated for 14 days had a significantly higher incidence of MEE. Nasogastric tube was not implicated in MEE in this study. No episodes of acute otitis media or systemic infection were encountered in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged endotracheal intubation (>7 days) in adult ICU patients contributed to the high incidence of MEE (50%). Moreover, conscious disturbance and endotracheal intubation for 14 days were also significant contributing factors of MEE.     

成人气管插管后喉肉芽肿的临床分析

目的探讨成人气管插管后喉肉芽肿的形成原因及诊疗方法。方法回顾性研究1996年1月-2006年12月诊治的8例气管插管后喉肉芽肿成人患者，分析其气管导管口径和留置时间与发生插管后喉肉芽肿的关系，总结诊疗经验体会。结果所有患者所用气管导管均为F28-F30；导管留置2-23h，平均7．4h。全部病例均有拔管后的迟发性声嘶发生；喉肉芽肿物多位于声带突处，6例为单侧，2例双侧。均先予以保守治疗，2例经保守疗法治疗而痊愈，另6例经手术切除而治愈。肉芽肿组织病理学表现为炎性肉芽肿。经随访观察1年以上，所有病例的喉肉芽肿均完全消失而无复发。结论结合气管插管史，综合分析咽喉部症状特别是迟发性声嘶和喉镜检查所见，即可确诊。保守治疗或手术切除均可获得良好疗效。     

Subglottic cysts: the Great Ormond Street experience

OBJECTIVE: Subglottic cysts are a relatively rare, non-malignant cause of airway obstruction. In this study we reviewed the details of the patients who were treated for subglottic cysts in our department in order to evaluate the presentation and treatment of patients with this condition. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case note analysis of 55 patients with subglottic cysts. Case notes were examined to determine the following details for each patient: date of birth, gestational age at birth, history and length of intubation, age at presentation, presenting symptoms, findings on endoscopy, treatment given for subglottic cysts, recurrence(s) of cysts after initial treatment, and follow up for a minimum of 6 months post diagnosis. RESULTS: Fifty five patients were identified, 35 male, 20 female. Ninety four percent were born prematurely at 24-31 weeks gestation. All patients were intubated in the neonatal period. The median duration of intubation for all patients was 10 days (range 1-126). Fifty one patients underwent intervention for their subglottic cysts at their initial, diagnostic microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB), and recurrent cysts occurred in 22 cases. A total of 82 procedures for cyst removal were performed, using either the carbon dioxide laser or microinstruments. Subglottic stenosis was a commonly associated feature in our series of patients, being present in 38 patients. Eleven of the 14 patients who presented to our department with tracheostomies in situ were decannulated after removal of their subglottic cysts. CONCLUSIONS: This review of the largest series of patients with subglottic cysts reported to date, reinforces our view that such cysts are rare but potentially reversible causes of upper airway obstruction, and that they result from injury to the larynx as a result of endotracheal intubation. Treatment of the cysts will often be sufficient to correct the obstructed airway allowing successful extubation or decannulation of a tracheostomy. Patients who have had subglottic cysts treated should have access to long-term follow up as there is a tendency for these cysts to recur.     

Infant botulism: considerations for airway management.

Infant botulism is a national problem with over 1000 confirmed cases in the United States since it was first recognized as a distinct clinical entity in 1976. The disease is characterized by a progressive, symmetrical descending paralysis of cranial nerves with eventual involvement of axial and trunk muscle innervation. Most infants progress to complete respiratory failure. An initial report in 1979 recommended early tracheotomy for avoidance of long-term intubation complications. However, over the past 10 years at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, analysis of airway management in 11 patients with infant botulism revealed a median intubation time of 16 days. Following extubation, all patients progressed to complete respiratory recovery without adverse laryngotracheal sequelae. Otolaryngologists consulted for the airway management of infants with botulism should adopt a conservative approach with meticulous monitoring of endotracheal tube sizes and leak pressures. Tracheotomy is rarely required.     

Subglottic ulceration and healing following endotracheal intubation in the neonate: a morphometric study.

In neonates, acquired subglottic stenosis is the most serious long-term complication of endotracheal intubation and is due primarily to posttraumatic fibrosis of the infant larynx. We have examined 78 larynges, 75 of which were intubated, from infants ranging in gestation from 22 to 40 weeks, and who survived from a few hours to up to 300 days. Each larynx was morphometrically assessed for the extent of acute injury, indicated by the percentage of epithelial loss, and healing, indicated by the percentage of a subglottic ulcer covered by metaplastic squamous epithelium. Results show that acute injury is almost invariable, and up to 100% of the subglottic epithelium may be lost within a few hours of intubation, but that progression of injury is relatively short-lived. Ulcer healing starts after a few days, rapidly progresses from day 10, and in the majority of cases is complete after 30 days. This study suggests that long-standing acute injury in the subglottis is the exception rather than the rule, even with the endotracheal tube remaining in place.     

Indications for tracheotomy in the pediatric intensive care unit population: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To define the indications for tracheotomy in patients requiring prolonged intubation (>1 week) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and follow-up telephone survey. SETTING: A tertiary care center PICU. OUTCOME MEASURE: Tracheotomy or extubation. PATIENTS: All patients older than 30 days in the PICU intubated for longer than 1 week between 1997 and 1999. RESULTS: During the study, 63 total admissions required intubation for longer than 1 week. A tracheotomy was necessary in 14% of admissions (n = 9). The mean length of intubation before the tracheotomy was 424 hours, whereas the mean length of intubation without the need for tracheotomy was 386 hours. Length of intubation, age, and number of intubations did not increase the probability of having a tracheotomy. Of those requiring a tracheotomy, 2 had tracheomalacia, 1 had subglottic edema, 1 had plastic bronchitis, 1 had Down syndrome with apnea resulting in right heart failure, 3 required long-term ventilation after cardiopulmonary collapse, and 1 had mitochondrial cytopathy. Of these 9 children, 7 were successfully decannulated, 1 patient died of underlying disease, and 1 patient remained cannulated secondary to the mitochondrial cytopathy. Twenty families of the patients who did not undergo a tracheotomy were reached by telephone after discharge. Most of the families reported that their children were free of stridor and hoarseness after extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Children tolerate prolonged intubation without laryngeal complications. The consideration for tracheotomy in the PICU setting must be highly individualized for each child.     

Bee stings of children: when to perform endotracheal intubation?

Hymenoptera stings account for more deaths in United States that any other envenomation. Oropharyngeal stings, although rare, may produce life-threatening airway obstruction by way of localized swelling. We present 4 cases of bee stings in children that necessitated tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Two children had breathing difficulties at admission; the other 2 presented with minimal symptoms but were preventively intubated and mechanically ventilated. Orofacial bee sting victims should be given parenteral treatment with epinephrine, steroids, antihistamines, and inhalational bronchodilators even when they initially present with minimal symptoms, with general anaphylaxis management in large envenomations, as well as immediate endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours in patients with signs of airway compromise.     

The safety of intubation in croup and epiglottitis: An eight-year follow-up.

A series of 815 infectious croup (i.e., laryngotracheobronchitis) cases and 55 epiglottitis cases, encompassing an eight-year interval, is reviewed to determine the incidence of adverse effects of nasotracheal intubation used to manage upper airway obstruction. The racial, sex, and age distributions, in addition to modalities of treatment, are presented. The intubated cases (86 patients), representing 6.5 percent of all croup cases and 60 percent of all epiglottitis cases, are described in more detail with respect to presenting symptoms and physical findings. The average duration of intubation is 55 hours for epiglottitis and 88 hours for croup. The incidence of immediate, reversible complications for the entire intubated series is 7 percent. The incidence of delayed, irreversible complications, as determined by: 1. noting any persistent post-extubation symptoms; 2. measuring peak expiratory flow rates; and 3. laryngeal polytomography, is 1.6 percent. The mortality secondary to intubation is 0 percent. The complication rate (1.6 percent) in this series of nasotracheal intubations is lower than the mortality (3.6 percent) in a large collective series of pediatric tracheotomies performed for airway obstruction in croup or epiglottitis. Other advantages of intubation vs. tracheotomy are described (i.e., shorter hospital stay, dilatatory effect of endotracheal tube). The authors conclude that nasotracheal intubation is safer than pediatric tracheotomy and should be considered the procedure of choice in the management of upper airway obstruction secondary to croup or epiglottitis.     

A comparative analysis of endotracheal intubation in neonates, children and adults: complications, prevention and treatment

The use of endotracheal tube to provide a prolonged airway and as an adjunct to artificial ventilation continues to be a controversial subject. With this controversy in mind, a six-year survey was undertaken in utilizing three private hospitals to evaluate the number of patients requiring prolonged endotracheal intubation, their incidence of complication, and particularly to record the diagnosis for which this form of artificial airway was required. At the same time, primary and secondary tracheostomies were evaluated as to mortality, morbidity, and complications. There were 205 premature and newborns evaluated, with 108 of these neonates requiring endotracheal intubation for 48 hours or longer. The average duration was five and one-half days. There were 26 survivors of 108 infants with one serious complication, or an incidence of 4 percent. The incidence of mortality and morbidity for tracheostomy in the neonate is much higher than that of endotracheal intubation and intubation should be the method of choice. Over 500 children requiring intensive care were evaluated. Of these, 64 cases required endotracheal intubation of 24 hours or longer with 43 survivors. There was one death with a mortality of 1.4 percent. In evaluating the diagnoses requiring endotracheal intubation, it is statistically significant that those patients other than post-surgical or medically clean had an incidence of complication of 23 percent. There were over 1,200 adult patients who required some form of artificial ventilation with 454 requiring endotracheal intubation of 24 hours duration or longer. The average duration was 61 hours. Immediate and minor complications, such as cord granulomas, lacerations, laryngeal edema, etc., were not included. There were 11 adult complications which could be classified as serious with stenotic changes of the larynx or trachea. This gives an overall incidence of complication of 2.4 percent with no mortality. These statistics are better than those for tracheostomy; however, the severely anoxic, toxic, or infected patient was the one which had a significant incidence of complications. The suicide patient had an incidence of 17.5 percent, patients with pulmonary infection 12.3 percent, and the stroke patient, 5.6 percent. A comparative study of tracheostomies continues to indicate that there is a higher incidence of mortality and early complications in tracheostomy than endotracheal intubation; however, both endotracheal intubation and secondary tracheostomies following prolonged intubation show a much higher incidence of delayed complications. Treatment should be one of prevention with the proper choice of tube and cuff, more than just adequate nursing care with definite proper follow-up of those patients who have had prolonged intubation. Frequent use of endoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy in these patients is mandatory for early treatment of delayed complications. Once these complications have manifested themselves, then treatment should follow the course as prescribed by the various authors finding success in the treatment of these lesions.     

Evaluation of a New Laser-Resistant Fabric and Copper Foil-Wrapped Endotracheal Tube

The risk of an endotracheal tube's combustion during laser airway surgery necessitates the use of special anesthetic techniques and equipment to prevent this complication. This study was designed to evaluate the Laser-Trach?, a new laser-resistant rubber endotracheal tube for use during laser airway surgery. The Laser-Trach endotracheal tubes that were evaluated were size 6.0 mm internal diameter (ID) red rubber endotracheal tubes which had been commercially wrapped by Kendall-Sheridan (Mansfield, Mass.) with copper foil tape and overwrapped with fabric. The fabric layer was saturated with water prior to our tests, as recommended by the manufacturer. The Laser-Trach endotracheal tubes were compared with plain (bare) size 6.0 mm ID Rusch red rubber endotracheal tubes. The tubes under study were positioned horizontally on wet towels in air and had 5 L?min^?1 of oxygen flowing through them. They were subjected to continuous laser radiation at 40 W from either a CO₂ or an Nd-YAG laser. The Nd-YAG laser was propagated via a 600-μm fiber bundle. Each laser was directed perpendicularly at the shaft of the endotracheal tube being studied, and its output was continued until a blowtorch fire occurred or 60 seconds had elapsed. Sixty seconds of CO₂ laser fire did not ignite any of the eight Laser-Trach endotracheal tubes tested. However, blowtorch ignition of all eight bare rubber tubes tested occurred after 0.87 ± 0.21 (mean ±SD) seconds of CO₂ laser fire. Nd-YAG laser contact with the Laser-Trach endotracheal tubes caused the perforation and blowtorch ignition of all eight tubes tested after 18.79 ± 7.83 seconds. This was a significantly (P<.05) longer time than the 5.45 ± 4.75 seconds required for the blowtorch ignition of all eight plain rubber endotracheal tubes tested with the Nd-YAG laser. Our results show that under the conditions of this study, the shafts of the Kendall-Sheridan Laser-Trach endotracheal tubes were resistant to the CO₂ laser. However, this endotracheal tube is not recommended for use with the Nd-YAG laser. Laryngoscope, 106:842-844, 1996     

Fibre-optic intubation in oncological head and neck emergencies

OBJECTIVE: Although fibre-optic bronchoscopic intubation is well recognized as the most valuable adjunct for elective management of the difficult airway its precise role in oncological head and neck emergencies has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of fibre-optic intubation in such emergencies. METHODS: This was a consecutive case series study by a single surgeon (the otolaryngologist) and anaesthetist team, taking place in a regional tertiary-referral head and neck surgical oncology centre. A series of 17 consecutive oncological head and neck emergency patients underwent fibre-optic intubation with a Portex endotracheal tube of inner diameter > or =7 mm, with the aid of a 6-mm (EB-1830T2) Pentax fibre-optic video bronchoscope. The study assessed occurrence of: avoidance of tracheostomy in bleeding emergencies; a well placed, uncomplicated tracheostomy in airway obstruction; and successful intubation. RESULTS: Two cases were decannulated completely. All cases were successfully intubated and a tracheostomy was avoided in all cases in which emergency intubation was required and the patient was bleeding. We conclude that fibre-optic bronchoscopic intubation is a viable option in head and neck oncological emergencies due to upper airway obstruction and tumour bleeding. Clinical and endoscopic judgement and operator experience are the key factors determining success.     

The temporary effect of short-term endotracheal intubation on vocal function

The objective of the study was to assess and perceive the vocal and pharyngeal symptoms and acoustic changes of voice after short-term endotracheal intubation and to evaluate the relation between these changes and the endotracheal tube parameters, number of intubation attempts, duration of anaesthesia, experience of anaesthesiologist. A total of 108 patients were evaluated preoperatively, 1–2 and 24 h after extubation. The vocal and pharyngeal symptoms, voice acoustic characteristics and maximum phonation time (MPT) were evaluated to find the relationship with endotracheal tube parameters, number of intubation attempts, duration of anaesthesia, experience of anaesthesiologist. All vocal and pharyngeal symptoms increased significantly at 24 h and remained significantly increased at 24 h after general anaesthesia. The vocal acoustic parameters changed significantly at 1–2 h: decrease of MPT and increase relative average perturbation were recorded. The day after the short-term intubation: only noise to harmony ratio and habitual pitch remains significantly changed. The most important endotracheal tube parameters that affect significantly (P value <0.05) the vocal function were the size of tube, cuff volume and number of intubation attempts. In relation to the anaesthesia, the changes of the acoustic parameters did not associate significantly with the anaesthesia-related parameters. No statistically significant relationship between experience of an anaesthesiologist and changes of the voice after anaesthesia was detected. Though being short-term, endotracheal anaesthesia is an invasive procedure, and its temporary influence on vocal function is important.