The contribution of video-laryngoscopy to improving the process of orotracheal intubation has been shown if various publications emphasizing an improved and better quality vision of the mouth and the larynx; it is extremely valuable for teaching purposes and is part of the algorithm for the intubation of a predicted difficult airway.^1,2

This article discusses the case of a 54-year-old patient admitted to the emergency OR for surgery of an ascending colon neoplasm and secondary intestinal obstruction. The patient has a history of smoking 10 packs/year, criteria consistent with chronic bronchial disease, and hepatitis C.

In the light of the risk of bronchoaspiration, induction, and rapid sequence intubation were conducted uneventfully. During the laryngoscopy with a Macintosh, an epiglottic mass was identified. Following the intubation and the tracheal pneumo-tamponade, we conducted a second laryngoscopy using a video laryngoscope Glidescope Titanium (Verathon Medical Bothell, WA, USA), which clearly revealed an epiglottic tumor.

After obtaining the consent of a family member, the planned hemicolectomy was conducted, in addition to a resection through laryngeal microsurgery and a biopsy of the epiglottic tumor identified (0.75 cm) (Fig. 1A and B).

Source: Authors.

Figure 1 (A) Epiglottic mass seen through the video-lanryngoscope. (B) Epiglottic mass following the surgical resection. 

Several papers argue that the total time elapsed during intubation and isolation of the airway is longer with the use of the video-laryngoscope versus the routine laryngoscopy, when the operator is still in the learning curve²; this is why the laryngoscope was used.

The use of video-laryngoscopes-Glidescope, King Vision-initially designed to facilitate orotracheal intubation, is very frequent in the algorithm for managing a difficult airway,³ in addition to a very exciting application in oropharyngeal surgery.⁴ Furthermore, we find that the device allows for an easy and minimally invasive exploration as compared against laryngoscopy using a rigid laryngoscope, as illustrated in our case in which the problem was solved in the same surgical-anesthetic procedure.