International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyThe laryngeal mask in infants and children: what is the cuff pressure?
Unintended hyperinflation of the cuff of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been associated with increased airway morbidity and postoperative pain. While the manufacturers recommend a cuff pressure of less than 60 cmH(2)O, in usual clinical practice, there is no method used to determine intracuff pressure of an LMA. The purpose of this prospective quality assurance study is to evaluate the incidence of LMA hyperinflation and excessive intracuff pressure in a busy tertiary care pediatric hospital. ⋯ Using current clinical practice to inflate the cuff of the LMA, a significant percentage of pediatric patients have an intracuff pressure greater than the generally recommended upper limit of 60 cmH(2)O. Risk factors identified in our study included age of the patient and the size of the LMA.
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyQuestioning the legitimacy of rigid bronchoscopy as a tool for establishing the diagnosis of a bronchial foreign body.
Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is the principal method used for the extraction of a tracheo-bronchial foreign body (FB), but its use as a diagnostic tool implies a certain rate of negative exams, exposing the child to the risk of procedure and anesthesia-related complications. Technological progress has improved the accuracy and availability of non-invasive modalities, such as CT scan and fluoroscopy. Our aim is to review our experience in the routine use of bronchoscopy for a suspected FB aspiration, and evaluate the adequacy of our current attitude in light of these alternatives. ⋯ Basing the decision to perform RB solely on the clinical findings and chest radiography entails a 25% rate or more of negative exams. CT scan appears to be the most accurate non-invasive tool for ruling out the presence of a FB but its use cannot be systematic due to its complexity and the risks of exposure to radiation. Digital substraction fluoroscopy is a safe and simple mean to confirm the presence of air trapping generated by a bronchial obstruction, but it is not sensitive enough to definitively rule out a FB. We propose a stepwise approach using fluoroscopy or possibly flexible bronchoscopy under sedation, in order to reduce the number of negative RBs while restricting the use of the CT scan.