Combined use of the GlideScope and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope after several failed intubation attempts for a retrosternal thyroid mass: a case report.

A GlideScope® and a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) were successfully used in combination, to intubate a 73- year-old female patient in which repeated previous intubation attempts with conventional laryngoscope had failed. GlideScope®, and FOB were used sequentially. She had been scheduled for an elective total thyroidectomy to remove a huge retrosternal goiter. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large necrotic mass (measuring 10 x 16 cm) with heterogeneous enhancement involving the thyroid gland and extending to the anterior mediastinum, causing significant tracheal compression and left deviation. Endotracheal intubation was successfully performed while she was awake using a combination of GlideScope and FOB. The operation lasted for two hours and was uneventful. The patient was then transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and kept intubated, sedated, and mechanically ventilated overnight. She was awakened and extubated the following day with no airway complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]