Fibre-optic intubation in oncological head and neck emergencies

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.

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.

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.