Oxygen insufflation via working channel in a fiberscope is a useful method: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation is the gold standard for endotracheal intubation in difficult or compromised airway situations. However, oxygen insufflation through the working channel of a fiberscope is a controversial method because of the possibility of gastric distention and rupture during an awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation, despite the advantages of preventing fogging of the fiberoptic bronchoscopic lens, blowing oral secretions away, and oxygenation of patients. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we describe a case of cervical instability where we rapidly performed fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation using oxygen insufflation through working channel of the broncoscopy to administer general anesthesia after two previous failures due to low visibility. A 50-year-old man with a non-specific medical history underwent emergency cervical spine surgery for posterior fusion of the C2 and C3 vertebrae. After two unsuccessful attempts at intubation using the fiberoptic broncoscopy, we performed it successfully using the oxygen insufflation via the working channel, instead of using suction to remove the secretion from the lens. CONCLUSION: Oxygen insufflation via the working channel of the broncoscopy is a useful method for assisting with difficult intubation cases.