[A case of tracheobronchopathia osteoplastica discovered after difficulty in intubation]

A 77-year-old man was scheduled for Love's method to correct lumbar disc herniation. He had fracture of maxilla and mandibula during World War II. Physical examination and laboratory data revealed no abnormalities. Anesthesia was induced with oxygen, nitrous oxide and halothane. Following administration of succinylcholine, an attempt was made to insert a tracheal tube (from 8.5mm to 5.5mm), but the tubes were met with an obstruction. The operation was cancelled because tumor-like nodules were seen in the trachea. Diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteoplastica was made afterwards following biopsy. The patient with this disease has a good prognosis. Artificial ventilation can be performed safely by choosing an appropriate method for airway maintenance.