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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
[Discussion on security of fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope for children]
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kaifeng Children's Hospital, Henan Province, Kaifeng, 475000, China. chujin123@163.com
Insights
Pediatric fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examinations are safe, with a 6.10% complication rate. Younger children and infants with laryngeal cartilage softening face higher risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Diagnostic Procedures
Background:
- Fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examinations are common in pediatric care.
- Understanding complication rates and risk factors is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and factors associated with complications during and after fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examinations in children.
- To identify specific risk factors that may predispose pediatric patients to adverse events.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 5000 children undergoing fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examination.
- Complications were recorded within 24 hours post-procedure, categorized by age group and type.
Main Results:
- A total of 305 cases (6.10%) experienced transient complications.
- Complication incidence decreased with age, from 9.83% in infants (0-1 year) to 1.69% in older children (>7-16 years).
- Mucous membrane bleeding was the most common intra-procedure complication, particularly in infants, while cough and cough deterioration were frequent post-procedure.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examination is a safe procedure with predominantly minor complications.
- Infants and children with laryngeal cartilage softening represent a high-risk group for procedural complications.
Objective:
To study the factors of complications and the incidence rates after the examination of fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope.
Method:
To observe the complications appeared within 24 hours during and after fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examination for 5000 children.
Result:
Of 5000 cases, 305 cases (6.10%) occurred transient complications during and after the operation. The incidence of complications in different age groups (0-1, >1-3, >3-7, >7-16) were 9.83%, 6.14%, 3.15%, 1.69% respectively. It was significantly lower in older age groups compared with younger ones. The commonest complication was mucous membrane bleeding during the operation, which often occurred in infants and reduced by increasing age. Cough and cough deterioration often occurred after the operation and shortness of breath appeared in infants only. The differences were statistically significant.
Conclusion:
Pediatric fiber nasopharyngeal laryngoscope examination is safe and reliable and most of the complications were minor. Infants and children with laryngeal cartilage softening is high-risk factors for complications.
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