Elective use of an uncuffed small-bore cricothyrotomy tube with balloon occlusion of the subglottic airway

To conduct a qualitative observational study on positive pressure ventilation through a percutaneous uncuffed small-bore cricothyrotomy tube with balloon occlusion of the subglottic airway to minimize supraglottic leak.

Ten consecutive procedures were performed in the nine men enrolled in this study. The demographics of the participants were: aged 50-73 yr, weight 48-87 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II, and scheduled for endoscopic submucosal dissection via flexible endoscopy for en bloc resection of superficial meso- and hypopharyngeal cancer. The airway was initially secured with a supraglottic airway (SGA) under sevoflurane-based anesthesia, and a cricothyrotomy was then performed using a Portex^® Minitrach II uncuffed cricothyrotomy tube (4-mm internal diameter). Following SGA removal, a Coopdech^® bronchial blocker was orally or nasally inserted, and the balloon was inflated to occlude the trachea immediately beneath the glottis. The ventilator setting was initially based on observation of chest motion and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension and then readjusted according to arterial blood gas levels. All procedures were completed within a median time of 149 min. Effective ventilation was achieved in all patients despite mild hypercapnia (PaCO₂ of 58 mmHg at maximum) in some patients. SpO₂ levels were maintained at ≥ 98%.

This technique provides effective intraoperative ventilation and easy endoscopic access, and it countermeasures against the likely complication of postoperative laryngeal edema. Moreover, there is no need for conventional tracheostomy or prolonged intubation. This approach establishes a curative and less invasive pharyngeal cancer therapy. Certain adverse outcomes can be avoided, including impaired speech and swallowing, possible delayed closure of the stoma, or a compromised cosmetic outcome.