[Anesthetic management of Nd-YAG laser surgery in the airway using a larengeal mask].

We used a laryngeal mask for Nd-YAG laser operations of airway stenosis due to tracheal granulation, broncheal granulation and subglottic tumor. Anesthesia was induced with inhalation of N2O-O2-sevoflurane in two cases and intravenous thiopental in one case. The laryngeal mask was inserted with intravenous injection of vecuronium. Anesthesia was maintained with N2O-O2-sevoflurane with intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Laryngeal mask airway was stable with respect to circulation and respiration during Nd-YAG laser irradiation. Ignition of a laryngeal mask caused by Nd-YAG laser is much less common compared to that of a tracheal tube with cuff. Therefore, we recommend to use laryngeal mask airway for Nd-YAG laser operation of airway stenosis because of much less danger of ignition and because it keeps good cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.