Is the airtraq laryngoscope superior to macintosh laryngoscope using armord endotracheal tube in head and neck surgery?

ABSTRACT

The control of the airway is a fundamental aim for the anaesthiologast during routine anaesthesia. The incidence of difficult tracheal intubation has been estimated at 3-18%. This incidence may be more in head and neck Surgery. Our study conducted on 30 patients divided randomly in two groups each of 15 patients. Fifteen patients intubated by Macintosh laryngoscope and 15 by Airtraq laryngoscope. We found that success rate in Airtraq laryngoscope was 100% in comparisons to Macintosh laryngoscope which was 81.8%. We found also the intubation time was reduced significantly with use the Airtraq laryngoscope. The intubation was done in the first attempts in all patients in Airtaq group without need to optimizing maneuvers in comparison to Macintosh laryngoscope which need optimizing maneuvers and also use intubating aids like Bougie. Nearly no complication in Airtraq group like oral mucosal laceration, oxygen alteration and heamodynamic changes. We found that the Airtraq laryngoscope provides superior intubating condition without need intubating aids and less or no complications