Expanding the envelope of neonatal endoscopic tracheal and bronchial surgery

Diagnostic evaluation of the neonatal airway requires special training and instrumentation. The subglottis of a normal full-term infant will allow passage of a 3.0 bronchoscope (outer diameter 5.0 mm, inner diameter 4.3 mm). On occasion, diagnostic rigid endoscopy with simultaneous ventilation in premature infants necessitates use of a 2.5 bronchoscope (outer diameter 4.2 mm, inner diameter 3.5 mm). Although flexible bronchoscopy can be done through an endotracheal tube, surgical manipulation of the airway is limited. Rigid pediatric bronchoscopic optical forceps are too large for use in neonatal bronchoscopes. Therefore, performance of endoscopic tracheal and bronchial procedures in the premature infant requires innovative techniques with thorough knowledge of instrumentation and anesthetic management, generally including apneic techniques. As advances in neonatology result in survival of smaller and smaller patients, otolaryngologists must keep pace to provide adequate support. A case report of endoscopic removal of a granuloma totally obstructing the right primary bronchus in a 1 kg premature infant illustrates these concepts in neonatal endoscopy.