[Fiberoptic bronchoscopy via laryngeal mask in children]

A fiberoptic bronchoscope provides a good access to the distal airways, inaccessible for a rigid bronchoscope. A major disadvantage of the fiberoptic bronchoscope in tracheal intubation of children is its little diameter, impeding the instrumentation and suction. A laryngeal mask (LM) of a suitable size was used with the fiberoptic bronchoscope in 68 children aged 0 to 15 years under TIVA. A large-sized fiberoptic bronchoscope with a channel for instruments can be safely and effectively used in anesthesized children due to LM. A relatively large internal diameter of LM permits ventilation round the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The method is atraumatic and represents a good alternative to the rigid bronchoscope in children.