A case of one-lung ventilation using a single-lumen tube placed under fiberoptic bronchoscopic guidance in a 4-year-old child A case report

Abstract

Rationale: One-lung ventilation (OLV) is essential for adequate visualization and exposure of the surgical site via a videoscopic approach. Although many instruments facilitating OLV are available, the choice is limited in pediatric patients. Patient concerns: A 4-year-old female (weight: 18.6 kg, height: 100 cm) was admitted via our pediatric outpatient clinic because of recurrent hemoptysis, 2 weeks in duration. She had no medical or surgical history. Diagnosis: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a 4.5-cm-diameter mass in the left, lower lung lobe. She was diagnosed with a congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Interventions: She was scheduled for emergency lobectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). To ensure successful VATS, OLV was essential. As our hospital lacked a small-diameter fiberoptic bronchoscope and a proper bronchial blocker, we decided to use single-lumen tube (SLT) with adult fiberoptic bronchoscope. Outcomes: We performed successful bronchoscopic-guided OLV using a SLT. We aligned the tube to the right upper lobar bronchus and Murphy eye to prevent obstruction of the right upper lobe bronchus. At the end of surgery, the endotracheal tube lumen had been narrowed by blood clots, we decided to exchange the tracheal tube. The tube was immediately exchanged. After re-intubation, the pulse oximetry (SpO(2)) then gradually increased. Lessons: Appropriate preparation and careful management should be considered to perform OLV in pediatric patients without significant complications.