Indications for the use of fibrobronchoscopy in oral surgery

Fibrobronchoscopy, first used in pneumology with a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose, has been recently used in the therapy of "difficult intubations". After trismus, complex fracture, serious maxillofacial malformations and wide neoplasia, classic nose--orotracheal intubation through direct laryngoscopy may turn out difficulty. Some years ago blind intubation was used, which was stressing for the operator and very dangerous for the patient. In the most serious cases, tracheotomy was used. Thanks to flexible fibroscopes of suitable lenght and reduced diameter, nosetracheal intubations guided by fibroscope can be carried out today. Remembering the indications about fibrobronchoscope use in oral surgery, the Authors describe tre method they have used. They also underline the facility of this technique which allows to carry out a sure and not traumatic intubation without resorting to lisive medicines without producing lacerations or tumefactions in laryngotracheal mucosa.