Anesthesia in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pediatric Bronchoscopy

Airway endoscopy (rigid and flexible bronchoscopy) is an important procedure that allows for visualization of the trachea and bronchi as well as treatment of a variety of airway disorders for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Excellent communication between the anesthesiologist and the endoscopist is required to ensure that adequate oxygenation and ventilation is maintained via the shared airway. Various anesthetic and airway management techniques can be used for airway management in pediatric foreign-body aspiration. This article highlights indications, techniques, and complications encountered during pediatric bronchoscopy, with particular focus on anesthetic management of the pediatric airway.