Is Bronchoscopy Necessary for Insertion of Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tubes?Con: Bronchoscopy Is Not Necessary

摘要

In this article, I take the position that a flexible bron-choscope (FFB) is not necessary for accurate placement of a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT). This subject has been debated in print for many years.1'2 Prominent academic anesthesiologists have recommended the routine use of bronchoscopy each and every time a DLT is used. Although I agree with them that FFB is probably the most accurate of several adjuncts (dual capnography, spirometry, radiography) that can be used, I do not believe that any of these devices are needed routinely to confirm DLT placement.