Remifentanil sedation for awake fibreoptic intubation with limited application of local anaesthetic in patients for elective head and neck surgery*

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of awake fibreoptic intubation using remifentanil sedation with topical anaesthesia limited only to the nasal mucosa. Twenty-four patients presenting for elective head and neck surgery were sedated using remifentanil titrated to effect and local anaesthetic was applied to the nasal mucosa. Vital signs were recorded throughout the procedure and both the anaesthetist and an observer rated the ease of the procedure. Intubation was successful in all patients and the procedure was rated as easy in 15 (63%) of patients. Mean arterial pressure remained within 8% of baseline in all cases and respiratory rate remained > 8 breaths x min(-1) in all but three patients. Although 56% of patients interviewed postoperatively said they recalled the procedure, all but one would undertake the same procedure again if necessary. This technique appears reliable in providing adequate sedation whilst maintaining cardiovascular and respiratory stability.