Dexmedetomidine Usage During Awake Fiberoptic İntubation

Aim: Awake fiberoptic intubation is the preferred method of intubation for patients who fulfill criteria for difficult intubation. Numerous agents have been used to provide sedation during these procedure. In this study the use of the alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine has been reported. Case Report: A 44-yr-old male with bilateral ankylosis of temporomandibular joint was admitted for gap artroplasty. The patient’s interincisal distance was 5 mm. Electrocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter and after intubation end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring were applied. Topical anesthesia was provided by lidocaine gargle. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam were applied for sedation and analgesia. A fiberoptic intubation was nasally performed providing spontaneous breathing. Sufficient oral amount of opening was provided with surgery and he was extubated. Conclusion: We concluded that; following a careful preoperative preparation, fiberoptic intubation can be performed providing spontaneous breathing without any problem in patients having restricted mouth opening and dexmedetomidine can be used for satisfactory sedation, patient cooperation, analgesia without causing respiratory distress.