Use of the Benjet tube for operative laryngoscopy

Various tubes have been advocated to deal with airway problems related to operative laryngoscopy. These include large- and small-diameter tubes localized in the supraglottic, subglottic, or transtracheal region.

We report our clinical experience with the use of the Benjet tube on 25 patients (23-64 years of age), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, who underwent operative laryngoscopy. The Benjet tube was positioned within the trachea using a standard curved laryngoscope. Its proximal end was connected to a jet-ventilation system equipped with a pressure-limiting drive and airway-pressure gauge. A rigid microlaryngoscope was inserted, through which a sampling needle was introduced into the vicinity of the tracheal opening, for end-tidal carbon dioxide determination. Heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were continuously monitored.

The Benjet tube was found to be easy to introduce and remove and was unobtrusive in the larynx and trachea, allowing excellent surgical conditions. Cardiorespiratory parameters were stable and did not change from baseline values. End-tidal carbon dioxide values ranged between 34 and 35 mm Hg.

We conclude that the Benjet tube is highly indicated for operative laryngoscopic procedures.