Rigid bronchoscopic bridge to lung isolation in an airway emergency in congenital lobar emphysema.
Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) presents unique anaesthetic challenges due to the risk of worsening hyperinflation with positive pressure ventilation. We describe an infant who developed rapid desaturation during induction for thoracoscopic lobectomy. In the absence of a suitable bronchial blocker or time for fibreoptic guidance, lung isolation was achieved using a rigid bronchoscope for immediate left lung ventilation, followed by bougie-assisted endobronchial intubation. This manoeuvre restored oxygenation and enabled safe surgical completion. The case highlights the life-saving potential of rigid bronchoscope-guided intubation with temporary bronchoscope ventilation in airway emergencies involving CLE.