Use of the Disposcope endoscope for awake orotracheal intubation in an elderly patient with a large vocal cord polyp -a case report-

Abstract

Background Vocal cord polyps are commonly encountered in the otorhinolaryngology department. The risk of anesthesia is high in patients with large vocal cord polyps. Awake intubation with appropriate airway tools provides a favorable safety profile. Case We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who had been suffering from a large vocal cord polyp for 16 years. Electronic laryngoscopy revealed that the vocal cord polyp was approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. The polyp had a pedicle and demonstrated synchronous motion with respiratory excursion. It covered almost the entire glottic area during inspiration and moved away from the glottis during expiration. A Disposcope endoscope was used for awake tracheal intubation, and the surgery was completed successfully. Conclusions The Disposcope endoscope can be a useful option for awake orotracheal intubation in cases of anticipated difficult intubation and difficult facemask ventilation.

Keywords

• airway management
• airway obstruction
• anesthesia
• patient safety
• tracheal stenosis
• vocal cords