Selection of the access channel in bronchoscopic intervention

At present, bronchoscopic intervention has become an important treatment approach for central airway obstruction (CAO). Choosing an appropriate access channel for different patients during this operation has become a research focus.

Data of bronchoscopic interventions in 201 patients with CAO in which one of endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask, or rigid bronchoscope were used as the only access channel were retrospectively reviewed.

The total immediate effective rate was 94.1% (398/423), and the main complications related to the access channels included hypoxemia, elevated arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, arrhythmia, airway mucosa tear, glottic edema, vocal cord injury, tooth loss, massive bleeding, airway mucosal necrosis, and asphyxia. The incidence of complications was 16.8% (71/423). Glottic edema was the most common complication with an incidence of 7.8% (33/423) and accounted for 46.5% of all complications. Glottic edema only occurred in the laryngeal mask and rigid bronchoscope groups, and the incidence was significantly correlated with the operation time (p < 0.001). Massive bleeding related to the access channel remains the most serious complication.

Endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask, and rigid bronchoscope each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most appropriate access channel should depend on a comprehensive assessment of the patient.