• J T Roberts.
• Department of Anaesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
• J Clin Anesth. 1991 Jan 1; 3 (1): 64-75.

Study ObjectiveTo describe a current method of teaching flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy.DesignReview of a current technique.SettingInpatient surgery area at a university medical center.PatientsMore than 1,000 ASA physical status I and II patients requiring general endotracheal anesthesia for renal lithotripsy were intubated orally using a flexible fiber-optic laryngoscope.InterventionsPatients were given a sleep dose of thiopental sodium (4 mg/kg) and paralyzed with a bolus of succinylcholine (1 mg/kg).Measurements And Main ResultsPeripheral oxygen (O2) saturation, capnography, electrocardiography (EKG), automated blood pressure (BP) measurements, and clinical response of the patients were closely monitored by the attending anesthesiologist. Three obese patients rapidly desaturated, leading to abandonment of the technique for teaching purposes. After ventilation with 100% O2, all 3 patients were rapidly intubated orally by the instructor using the flexible fiber-optic technique.ConclusionsOral flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy and intubation may be taught safely using thiopental sodium and succinylcholine by adhering to the guidelines outlined in this paper.

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