Endotracheal intubation in elective cervical surgery: A randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Innovation
• Airway Management

Background:

• Comparison of airway management devices for cervical surgery.
• Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of endotracheal intubation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness and safety of three airway devices for endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing elective cervical surgery.
• Assess intubation time, hemodynamic stability, and cervical spine alignment changes.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 45 patients undergoing elective cervical surgery.
• Patients were assigned to endotracheal intubation using GlideScope (GS), CTrach laryngeal mask airway (LMA), or Shikani optical stylet (SOS).
• Measured intubation time, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and C2-5 Cobb angle changes.

Main Results:

• All intubations were successful. Mean intubation times: GS (17.9s), SOS (40.4s), LMA (80.5s).
• Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the GS group 2 minutes post-intubation.
• The change in C2-5 Cobb angle was significantly greater with GS compared to LMA and SOS.

Conclusions:

• The CTrach LMA and SOS rigid laryngoscope are effective and safe alternatives to the GlideScope video laryngoscope for patients undergoing elective cervical surgery.
• These devices may offer advantages in maintaining cervical spine alignment during intubation.