Aims: Evaluation of airway blocks vs general anesthesia for diagnostic direct laryngoscopy & biopsy for carcinoma larynx it is a comparative study. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients between the age
group 50–70 years were included in the study. They were ASA Grade 3 or 4 and scheduled for Laryngeal biopsy under anesthesia. Patients were randomized in two groups, Group A received airway blocks with
2% lignocaine and Group B received general anesthesia. Group A patients received bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block, glossopharyngeal nerve block and transtracheal block. Group B patients received general anesthesia. Patients were monitored during anesthesia using continuous ECG, NIBP and Pulseoximetry.
Intraoperative IV fluids were given according to the protocols. Vital data was recorded preoperatively and during direct laryngoscopy at every 5 minutes interval. Results: Preoperative vitals were same in both
groups and statistically there was no significant difference in the data. Mean arterial pressures were raised during postoperative period. The postop analgesia was significantly higher in Group A and lasted longer as compared to Group B and patients were less agitated and calm. In Group B patients, most of them required postop nebulization as compared to Group A where no patient needed nebulization. Conclusion: Laryngeal biopsies done under regional airway blocks have less of hemodynamic changes and good analgesia in postop period, compared to cases done under general anesthesia.