Abstract

Introduction: Failure to successfully intubate the trachea and to secure the airway remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the operative and emergency settings. A study evaluating the intubating conditions using video laryngoscope and Macintosh direct laryngoscope for visualization of the vocal cords, success rate for intubation, time for intubation, and the need for additional manoeuvres in adult patients in elective general anaesthesia cases was planned.
Methods: It was a prospective study conducted in the department of Anaesthesiology, GSL Medical College. Individuals aged 18 to 60 years, ASA physical status grade 1 and grade 2 were included; ASA grade >3, mouth opening < 4cm were excluded. A thorough preanesthetic evaluation was conducted. Airway was assessed using modified Mallampatti grading. In the operating room, standard monitoring devices were applied including a pulse oximeter, 3 lead ECG and blood pressure. Baseline measures of Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation were made. Vital signs were recorded every minute from the time induction of anesthesia was begun until five minutes after the patient had been intubated, and then at five-minute intervals thereafter for fifteen minutes.
Results: In this study, 40 members each were recruited in group D and V, respectively. Age wise, majority were 21 – 30 years, respectively in group D (40%) and group V (42.5%).
In group D, majority (45%) were graded to be MMG 1 and in group V, majority were in grade 2 (47.5%). When the overall intubation was considered, it was easy in 37.5% for V group members and major difficult to 5% individuals; statistically there was no significant difference.
Conclusion: Video laryngoscope was associated with better visualization of laryngeal structures as compared to Macintosh direct laryngoscope. Videolaryngoscope is suitable for tracheal intubation in routine clinical practice as an alternative to Macintosh laryngoscope