Preparing to use the flexible fiber-optic laryngoscope.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a current method of teaching flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy.


METHODS
Review of a current technique.


METHODS
Inpatient surgery area at a university medical center.


METHODS
More than 1,000 ASA physical status I and II patients requiring general endotracheal anesthesia for renal lithotripsy were intubated orally using a flexible fiber-optic laryngoscope.


METHODS
Patients were given a sleep dose of thiopental sodium (4 mg/kg) and paralyzed with a bolus of succinylcholine (1 mg/kg).


RESULTS
Peripheral oxygen (O2) saturation, capnography, electrocardiography (EKG), automated blood pressure (BP) measurements, and clinical response of the patients were closely monitored by the attending anesthesiologist. Three obese patients rapidly desaturated, leading to abandonment of the technique for teaching purposes. After ventilation with 100% O2, all 3 patients were rapidly intubated orally by the instructor using the flexible fiber-optic technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy and intubation may be taught safely using thiopental sodium and succinylcholine by adhering to the guidelines outlined in this paper.
Roberts
J T
JT
Department of Anaesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D055100:Optical Fibers; D013663:Teaching