Double-lumen tube position should be confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy

This review is part of Pro and Contra use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy to confirm the position of a double lumen tube. The purpose of this review is to highlight the circumstances where fiberoptic bronchoscopy should be used in conjunction with lung separation, right sided double-lumen tube positioning, and to identify fine malposition for generally missed by clinical signs.

Until several years ago, confirmation of a double-lumen tube (DLT) position was limited to inspection and auscultation. Fiberoptic bronchoscopes were usually only available in the bronchoscope suite for the exclusive use of the pulmonary personnel. Today, in most institutions, fiberoptic bronchoscopes of different diameters are available in the operating room for use by the anesthesia personnel.

Advances in technology and improved quality of the endoscopes image make the technique easy to use with a relatively simple learning curve. In fact, fiberoptic workshops, thoracic workshops and difficult airway workshops are offered in nearly all important anesthesia meetings.