[Airway management and anesthesia for tracheal masses in 15 patients]

To summarize our experiences in anesthetic management for the resection of tracheal masses.

The clinical data of 15 patients with tracheal masses in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2002 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Remarkable dyspnea and tracheal stenosis were observed in 12 patients. Standard orotracheal intubation was carried out in patients with less than 50% of tracheal lumen obstructed. The location of masses was critical for those with severe tracheal stenosis. Local anesthetics were applied and tracheostomy were performed in patients with masses located at the upper part of the trachea. Intubation above the masses was established in patients with masses located at the lower part of the trachea. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was introduced before anesthetic induction in a patient with severe respiratory distress and hypercapnea,then an endotracheal tube successfully passed the stenosis guided by a fiberoptic bronchoscope. General anesthesia was induced intravenously and muscle relaxants were applied in all patients. Succinylcholine was administrated in 5 of 6 difficult patients.

Airway management and anesthesia were performed successfully in all the 15 patients. After the operations,patients were extubated and discharged from the hospital without difficulty in respiration.

The successful airway management of tracheal masses depends on the degree and location of stenosis and the severity of dyspnea. Extracorporeal circulation is an optimal choice for those with critical airway occlusion and adequate oxygenation can not be accomplished with conventional anesthesia.