Cricothyroidotomy and transtracheal high frequency jet ventilation for elective laryngeal surgery. An audit of 90 cases

We carried out an audit of needle cricothyroidotomy and transtracheal venti lation used during anaesthesia for elective endolaryngeal surgery. The data on 90 consecutive procedures was collected over two years, Patients were a naesthetized using a total intravenous technique. An intravenous cannula or Tuohy needle was placed through the cricothyroid membrane and the patient was ventilated via the cannula using high frequency jet ventilation. Techni cal details of the procedure and any perioperative complications were recor ded. There were 12 complications in total, Only three of these were clearly related to the cricothyroid puncture i.e., one minor bleed and two eases o f limited local surgical emphysema. All complications were minor and resolv ed without sequelae.