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[Anesthesia Management for Primary Cleft Lip Closure in an Infant with Congenital Total Length Complete Tracheal
Insights
Congenital tracheal stenosis due to complete tracheal rings poses surgical risks. This case report details successful cleft lip repair in an infant using a narrow endotracheal tube, avoiding tracheal injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital tracheal stenosis, often caused by complete tracheal rings, presents significant challenges in neonates and infants.
- Perioperative management is critical to prevent further tracheal stenosis in these vulnerable patients.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant with a history of failed intubation due to complete tracheal rings was scheduled for cleft lip repair.
- Imaging revealed long-segment tracheal stenosis below the glottis, with complete rings identified via endoscopy.
- An aspiration episode prompted prompt surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Successful primary cleft lip closure was achieved under general anesthesia using a narrow (3.0 mm ID) RAE endotracheal tube.
- Endoscopic confirmation ensured the tube's tip avoided contact with the stenotic segment.
- The infant was discharged on postoperative day 8 without complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of detailed preoperative imaging and endoscopic evaluation for managing congenital tracheal stenosis.
- Careful selection of endotracheal tube size and precise placement are crucial for safe surgical procedures in affected infants.
- Successful surgical outcomes are achievable with meticulous planning and execution in complex pediatric cases.
Abstract:
Complete tracheal ring causes congenital tracheal stenosis in neonates and infants. We have to prevent further tracheal stenosis in perioperative period. This is a case report of an infant with congenital tracheal stenosis due to complete tracheal ring who underwent primary cleft lip closure under general anesthesia. An 8 month-old boy was scheduled for bilateral cleft lip closure. His first operation at two months was canceled because of unsuccessful intubation in previous hospital. He came to our hospital to seek a second opinion. His CT scan showed long segment stenosis of the trachea below glottis. The tracheobronchial endoscopy showed complete tracheal rings 1.5 cm below glottis to the bifurcation. Considering his aspiration episode, we decided to do the cleft lip closure promptly after examinations. We chose an ID 3.0 mm RAE tracheal tube, which is commercially narrowest We intubated 2 cm below glottis, and confirmed that the tip did not touch narrowed trachea with endoscope. This tube was fixed in the center of the mandible and packed with gauze. He was discharged on 8 POD without complication. CT scan and its integrated 3 D image of the trachea were useful to understand the approximate structure. However endoscopic examination allowed more detailed structure-measurement below glottis.
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