Anaesthetic management of tracheal surgery using the neodymium-yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser

A new technique for the management of tracheal or bronchial lesions (tumours or stenosis) using the NdYAG laser and bronchoscopy, was used in 55 patients without complications. The anesthetic problems are discussed. In some circumstances the procedure may be performed using sedation and topical anaesthesia. In most, general anaesthesia was used, controlled ventilation being achieved through the bronchoscope using a modification of the Sander's injector with mixture of 50% nitrogen and oxygen to avoid the risk of fire.