Objective: We aim to analyze the surgical and anesthesiological perspective of patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy via general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods: Between January 2009 and November 2009, 54 patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Patient's demographic features, co-morbidities, indication of procedures, complications, type of stent and the length of both anesthesia and surgery were analyzed. Induction anesthesia was performed with prophofol and vecuronium; intubation was undertaken by rigid bronchoscopy. Subsequently, intermediate positive pressure with 100% oxygen was delivered through the standard circuit connected to rigid bronchoscope.

Results: 40 male and 14 female patients were underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia with the mean age was 54 (14–81). The indications were malignant disease (n=35), postintubation stenosis (n=8), tracheomalasia (n=4), hemoptysis (n=4), endobronchial tuberculosis (n=2) and foreign body (n=1). The surgical procedures performed through rigid bronchoscope were; tumor destruction in 18, stenting in 12, biopsy in 11, stent removal in 4, aspiration of thick and purulent secretion in 3, hemoptysis in 2, dilatation for further stenting in one, foreign body removal in one, tumor destruction and biopsy in one and tumor destruction and stenting in one patient. The types of stents were 6 covered metallic stent and 7 silicone Y type stent. The mean duration of surgery and anesthesia was 38 (10±115) min and 48 (20±125) min respectively.

Conclusion: Bronchoscopic management in patients with tracheal stenosis is safe and sufficient. The most important issue during anesthesia is to provide adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Key words: tracheabronchial obstruction, rigid bronchoscopy, tracheabronchial