Anesthesia management of microlaryngeal laser surgery in children: apneic technique anesthesia.

The purpose of this paper is to describe apneic technique general anesthesia which has been used in children for suspension microlaryngoscopy in the nontracheotomized patient. Apneic anesthesia uses a paralyzing drug in combination with controlled ventilation using halothane or isoflurane, nitrous oxide and oxygen, delivered through an endotracheal tube. Patients are monitored throughout the procedure with end-tidal CO2 levels and a cutaneous oximeter. Surgery is performed without the impediment of an endotracheal tube. This method, used in 240 patients ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years, eliminates the danger of a laser fire, gives an unobstructed view of the larynx, is safe, and is free of complications. All outpatients were discharged from the hospital within a few hours after the surgical procedure.