Comparative Case Series on LMA-Assisted Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

ABSTRACT Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in children requires sedation, while routinely employed techniques for oxygenation under sedation don’t provide airway protection.LMA during FOB can provide safer ventilation with good operative views.Although the use of laryngeal mask airway for FOB was described in 1982, its application has not been established in pediatric patients. The aim of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of LMA-assisted bronchoscopy compared to nasal airway with oxygenation-assisted bronchoscopy. The study was conducted on 12 patients, 6 in each group. Data collected includes monitoring of oxygen saturation, hemodynamics, ETCO2, and complications. LMA group children had lower episodes of desaturation as compared to nasal airway group. ETCO2 values were maintained and rate of complications were less in LMA group. Hemodynamic stability in both groups were comparable. Hence the use of LMA allows better airway conduit, with stable O2 saturation and ETCO2 values than nasal airway-assisted bronchoscopy.