Anaesthesia for resection of tumours in the trachea and central bronchi using the Nd-YAG-laser technique

The use of lasers in upper airway surgery is now common practice. The introduction of the Nd-YAG laser technique makes it possible to perform endoscopic resection of tumours located in the trachea and central bronchi. Usually these patients require general anaesthesia. Our experience in 13 patients using total intravenous anaesthesia and jet ventilation with air is reported. Oxygen saturation was maintained at a higher level than when the patients were breathing 100% oxygen before anaesthesia. Occasional reductions in saturation were due to airway obstruction and were easily corrected by a short interruption of the procedure. All patients tolerated the anaesthesia and surgery well. No complications related to the anaesthetic method or the use of the Nd-YAG-laser occurred. A review of the possible hazards in these procedures is given together with advice on safety precautions needed.