Utility of Glidescope® videolaryngoscopy in surgical procedures involving the larynx

GlideScope(®) is a recently developed videolaryngoscope that helps to achieve a good view of the laryngeal inlet and the vocal cords. Videolaryngoscopy has been proven effective in patients with unusual anatomical or pathological features, suggesting the possibility of a difficult endotracheal intubation. This device may also be useful for otorhinolaryngologists by facilitating access to the larynx and tongue base, especially in selected cases, where good visualisation of disease-altered structures is vital. According to the current literature, GlideScope(®) has been used for surgical procedures involving the tongue base, such as biopsies, foreign body removal and radiofrequency treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. We believe that the use of this kind of videolaryngoscopy might be also indicated for laryngeal surgery as a valid alternative to the placement of a direct laryngoscope. This technique, especially in those cases with anatomical issues or important comorbidities, may be preferred to ambulatorial flexible or rigid laryngoscopy, and in planning surgical procedures in "difficult" patients due to the operating room setting comprising constant anaesthesiological support. In our experience, we performed five procedures involving the larynx with the GlideScope(®) in patients presenting unusual clinical characteristics that potentially compromised surgical outcome. No complications related to videolaryngoscopy were found. We recommend the use of GlideScope(®) for small surgical procedures involving the larynx in selected patients.