Flexible fiberoptic endoscopy in difficult intubations

Intubation problems sometimes occur very suddenly and can be divided into two groups. The expected ones include the patients with a short neck and long teeth, cellulitis of the tongue, large oropharyngeal tumors, obstructing laryngeal tumors, congenital and acquired maxillofacial deformities, ankylosis of the temporomandibular joints, fractures or ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine, and all patients with a history of previous intubation problems. Unexpected problems can arise in patients who combine large incisors and canines with an inability to open the mouth wide, or when the glottis is invisible because the epiglottis is immobile. The first concern in these cases is to restore consciousness, for the conscious patient shows tonus and this facilitates identification of anatomical landmarks. A 60 cm bronchofiberscope provided with a tube and a freely movable end of 30 cm is suitable. Shorter flexible scopes are not adequate.