Jet ventilation for laser laryngeal surgery in children. Modification of the saunders jet ventilation technique

In our clinical series, 40–50% O 2 and 50–60% N 2O (regulated by a blender and delivered by manual jet ventilation (MJV)) and residual halothane from induction provided satisfactory supralaryngeal anesthesia. Fentanyl, N 2O, atracurium, and lidocaine administered i.v. effectively blunted laryngeal stimulation, allowed control of respiration, and minimized vocal cord motion. Wide unobstructed surgical access to the entire endolarynx is provided. Atracurium (an intermediate-acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant administered in a single bolus or by constant infusion) achieves the needed level of blockade and permits the anesthesiologist to focus on the pattern of respiration rather than the degree of neuromuscular blockade. Its duration of action seems to be well matched to the average duration of this surgical procedure. Because its reversal is prompt (35–45 min from i.v. injection to 25% recovery by neuromuscular transmission monitor) (Brandom et al, Clinical pharmacology of atracurium in paediatric patients, Br. J. Anaesth., 55 (1983) 117S–121S) children can be discharged safely from the recovery room to home after an appropriate period of observation in the short-stay unit. Our report confirms and extends another recent report supporting supraglottic jet ventilation (Scamman, F.L. and McCabe, B.F., Supraglottic jet ventilation for laser surgery of the larynx in children, Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol., 95(1986) 142–145). We belive that the MJV techinique is advantageous in children, particularly for outpatient surgery. Attention to detail and careful communication between a skilled anesthesilogist and surgeon are essential. Dangerous barotrauma can occur and skill and monitoring are essential.