Criteria for Choice of Right Double Lumen Tube for Lung Surgery

Objective: Adequacy of criteria for Lt DLT size in the determination of RT DLT size before thoracic surgery.

Methods: A prospective, controlled, comparative study. After obtaining informed consent, male and female patients over 18 years of age , candidates for elective thoracic surgery obliging DLT intubation, will be enrolled in the study. Children, pregnant and mentally incompetent patients will not be included.

Preoperative evaluation will be performed by an anesthesiologist and the patients will receive premedication with respect to the planned operation and concurrent disease status. The age, gender, height and weight of the patient will be recorded. On the chest CT series, measurements of the tracheal length and diameter, both main bronchial, and RUL bronchial orifice diameter in millimeters will be performed, using an universal measurement system .

All patients will receive intravenous induction with Fentanyl 3-5 mcg/kg, Propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg, and Rocuronium 0.6-0.8 mg/kg. All patients will be intubated by the same anesthesiologist. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy will be performed for proper positioning of the DLT.

Accordingly to the indication , patients will be intubated with Lt or Rt DLT -Mallinkrodt Broncho-cath, routinely used for this kind of operations.