[Inhalation anaesthesia in bronchoscopies on infants and small children (author's transl)].

Over the past 5 years 37 bronchoscopies were performed on children aged 7 months to 3 years for the removal of foreign bodies, the diagnosis of inflammations, and the cause of chronic stridor. Because of improved instrumentation, illumination with "cold light" and cooperation between endoscopist and anaesthesist there were no complications. Anaesthesia was achieved by a mixture of oxygen, nitrous oxide and fluothane without use of muscle relaxants. Each child was given Atropine and Solu-Decortin H and if indicated Calcium gluconate and Euphillin. These endoscopies, except in three children with gross inflammation, were carried out as out-patient procedures. Early endoscopy in the doubtful case is desirable, since later complications may make anaesthetic conditions hazardous.