Non-intubated deep paralysis: a new anaesthesia strategy for vocal cord polypectomy

Vocal cord polyp is common otorhinolaryngological disease, traditionally treated by vocal cord polypectomy under a supporting laryngoscope with general anaesthesia. Although it is safe and controllable, it would cause some anaesthesia complications. Moreover, the complex process of general anaesthesia may significantly reduce surgical efficiency. Avoiding these problems remains an important issue.

All patients were subjected to the standard non-intubated deep paralysis (NIDP) protocol consisting of four phases. An emergency plan was launched when NIDP cannot be implemented successfully. Patient characteristics, blood gas and monitoring data were collected during NIDP. Data concerning satisfaction, complications and duration of anaesthesia and recovery were collected to assess its effectiveness.

Among 20 enrolled patients, the success rate of NIDP was 95%. Only one patient failed in completing NIDP. Blood gas analysis revealed that the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide was maintained at safe levels. Monitoring during NIDP revealed fluctuations in mean arterial pressure between 110 and 70 mmHg, and the heart rate was stable at 60-100 beats per minute. The duration of anaesthesia and postoperative recovery were 13.0 ± 2.84 and 5.47 ± 1.97 min, respectively. All patients and surgeons were satisfied with NIDP, and no complications were detected before discharge.

NIDP can be safely applied to patients and can replace general anaesthesia in vocal cord polypectomy. It can significantly reduce the duration of anaesthesia and postoperative recovery. No anaesthesia complications occurred without intubation, and patients and surgeons were satisfied with NIDP.

This single-centre, prospective study was registered on clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04247412) on 30^th July 2020.