Sevoflurane-Based General Anesthesia Induction via Nasopharyngeal Endotracheal Tube Prior to Definitive Airway Control in Pediatric Oral Tumors

Abstract

Abstract Airway-related tumors in pediatrics are always challenging for anesthesiologists. We present 2 cases of friable, bleeding large tumors in the oral cavity where conventional methods of securing the airway were not possible. Induction of general anesthesia could potentially lead to complete airway collapse and catastrophic obstruction in such cases. Awake fibrotic intubation is limited in pediatric patients. We describe the innovative use of an endotracheal tube inserted blindly as a nasopharyngeal airway guided by end-tidal carbon dioxide trace. This allowed us to bypass the anatomical obstruction and induce anesthesia using sevoflurane in high-flow oxygen. By the described technique, we were able to maintain and assist the spontaneous breathing of the child as well. We also highlight limitations of the use of a conventional nasopharyngeal airway in such situations.