Study and reflection on anesthesia for tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare disease that may cause unexpected difficult intubation. There is no available consensus on the management of difficult intubation that is associated with TO. A 45-year-old woman was scheduled for modified radical mastoidectomy, canaloplasty, and tympanoplasty under general anesthesia. We encountered significant resistance during tracheal intubation, although the laryngeal view was normal with the video laryngoscope. A fiberoptic bronchoscope was then used to facilitate intubation, and we noted that the trachea was obviously narrowed due to cartilaginous ring hypertrophy. The tracheal tube was fully lubricated with tetracaine gel, and smoothly inserted into the trachea. After the operation, bronchoscopy and a computed tomography (CT) scan were performed to confirm the diagnosis of TO. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy-assisted tracheal intubation is safe and effective choice for the patients in whom subglottic intubation is difficult. CT scan and bronchoscopy might be helpful for preoperative airway assessment. Identifying patients with TO is important to avoid unexpected tracheal intubation impediment. Assessment of the subglottic airway should also be taken seriously.