[Diagnosis of the laryngeal or tracheobronchial lesions by fiberoptic bronchoscopy for anesthesiologists]

Abstract

Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic equipment is a useful visualization aid for diagnosis of laryngeal or tracheobronchial lesions and for intubation in patients with difficult airway. It also determines double-lumen tube position. In an intensive care unit, fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the cornerstone of the causal diagnosis in acute respiratory failure and laryngo-tracheobronchial trauma. However, for many anesthesiologists, its use tends to be limited to fiberoptic intubation and anesthetic management of thoracic surgery. Therefore, this review focuses on diagnostic strategies of laryngeal or tracheobronchial lesions by fiberoptic bronchoscopy for anesthesiologists. It also refers to the equipment and the strategy in performing fiberoptic bronchoscopy for anesthesiologist. We anesthesiologists need to attain proficiency in diagnostic skill in fiberoptic bronchoscopy as specialists of airway managent in acute settings as well as the operating room.