Abstract
We experienced the case of a large epiglottic cyst in whom tracheal intubation proved to be difficult to carry out by ordinary oral intubation. We herein report our newly developed device to keep the airway open in such cases and also make a review of the literature. The patient was a 35-year-old man who could be intubated transnasally by the use of a fiber-optic bronchoscope that was intserted through the anesthetic tube. This was done in a sitting position and awakened state to avoid any airway obstruction, and it was thus found to be both safe and effective. Moreover, we could easily remove the cyst by needle aspiration which also made it easier to confirm its stalk. A histopathological examination revealed an epidermoid cyst which was lined by a stratified squamous epithelium accompanied by some lymphoid tissue.
