Bronchoscopic intubation of patients with trismus

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation of patients with limited bite opening is a serious task for the caring physician. Blind intubation can be frustrating and, very often, unsuccessful. Tracheostomy, even under ideal conditions, can create serious complications. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has opened up a new era in intubation of patients with trismus. In this article, we discuss an organized illustrated procedure for intubation of such patients. We have used this procedure successfully in 16 patients over the last sixteen months in our craniofacial unit, with no complications and no failures.