Anesthesia for tracheobronchial foreign bodies removal via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy in children

This study attempted to explore suitable anesthetic methods used for removal of tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy in children. 92 cases had undergone FB removal via self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy or rigid bronchoscopy in our hospital since 2006, of which 56 cases were under intravenous anesthesia and endotracheal intubation with muscle relaxation (IAEI with MR), and the other 36 cases were under intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous breathing (IASB). Operative parameters and intraoperative vital signs were analyzed. Tracheobronchial foreign body was successfully removed in 87 cases, and not found in the other 5 cases. SpO2 was below 90% transiently in 41 cases, 29 cases of which were under IAEI with MR and 12 cases were under IASB. Laryngospasm and choke were found in 12 cases under IASB. Vital signs including PETCO2 and heart rate were stable in all the cases. The mean surgical time, anaesthetic induction and recovery time of IAEI with MR via self-retaining laryngoscopy group were (5.69 ± 3.43) min, (9.68 ± 1.66) min and (26.13 ± 6.94) min, IASB via self-retaining laryngoscopy group were (21.35 ± 17.25) min, (13.71 ± 3.79) min and (24.64 ± 5.44) min, IAEI with MR via rigid bronchoscopy group were (10.20 ± 5.01) min, (10.31 ± 3.56) min and (25.13 ± 6.21) min, and IASB via rigid bronchoscopy group were (25.35 ± 13.25) min, (14.71 ± 3.61) min and (26.22 ± 5.65) min. It’s a new and wonderful surgical procedure that combining self-retaining laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy for removal of tracheobronchial foreign body. IAEI with MR is suitable for bronchial FBA cases via them, while IASB is better for tracheal FBA or complicated cases.