Summary

An anaesthetic technique is described for microlaryngeal surgery which employs high frequency jet ventilation via a narrow-bore nasotracheal catheter. In a series of 18 patients the method was assessed for ease of administration, maintenance of arterial bloodgases and adequacy of the surgical field.

The technique was found to be simple to administer, providing good conditions for operative microscopy. Arterial blood-gas analysis showed excellent oxygenation and significant improvement in hypercapnia resulting from deep inhalational induction (p<0.05), but pre-induction carbon dioxide levels were not achieved.

Intraoperative monitoring revealed no serious cardiovascular problems and postoperative recovery was without serious complications, however, it is recommended that the technique is unsuitable for patients in whom mild hypercapnia for up to 20 minutes is undesirable.