Fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via the laryngeal mask airway in children.
BACKGROUND
Fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via the laryngeal mask airway-previously reported in adults but not in children-gives a better endoscopic view of the upper airway than does endoscopy via an endotracheal tube.


METHODS
The endoscopic procedure was carried out via a size 2 laryngeal mask in 4 spontaneously breathing children between 1 and 6 years old. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane in 50-100% oxygen.


RESULTS
The laryngeal mask was found to enable laryngotracheoscopy with a flexible 5.0-mm fibreoptic endoscope with no technical difficulties. Spontaneous ventilation could be readily preserved throughout the endoscopic procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
In children anaesthetized with halothane, flexible fibreoptic laryngotracheoscopy via a laryngeal mask is a useful method-offering technical advantages not achieved otherwise-provided that generally approved restrictions to the use of a laryngeal mask airway are taken into account.
Holmström
A
A
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Akeson
J
J
D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery