[Fiberoptic intubation in patients with rheumatic diseases].

In a retrospective evaluation of 3,301 cases of intubation anaesthesia in patients with rheumatic diseases, 165 endotracheal fiberoptic intubations were analyzed. These represent 5% of the overall intubations. The practical approach to fiberoptic endotracheal intubation on sleeping, spontaneously breathing patients is described, and special aspects and complications are emphasized. For patients who cannot be intubated "conventionally" the method of fiberoptic endotracheal intubation represents a safe and harmless alternative with a high rate of success and requiring not more than a reasonable amount of time.