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

Background:We compared the effectiveness and safety of endotracheal intubation using the GlideScope (GS) video laryngoscope, CTrach laryngeal mask airway (LMA), or Shikani optical stylet rigid laryngoscope (SOS) during elective cervical surgery.Methods:Forty-five patients undergoing elective cervical surgery were randomly and equally assigned to endotracheal intubation via GS, LMA, or SOS airway management.Results:Endotracheal intubation was successfully completed in all patients. The mean intubation times of the groups differed significantly (P<.01): GS, 17.93.1s; SOS, 40.4 +/- 13.7s; and LMA, 80.5 +/- 22.5s. The groups had similar heart rates and mean arterial pressures throughout the intubation, except that at 2minutes after intubation the mean arterial pressure of the GS group (106.1 +/- 18.5mm Hg) was significantly higher than that of the LMA (89.7 +/- 18.5mm Hg) or SOS (89.7 +/- 18.5mm Hg; P<.01). The change in C2-5 Cobb angle from baseline was significantly higher in the GS group (GS, 34.2 degrees +/- 7.3 degrees) than the LMA (24.4 degrees +/- 5.8 degrees) or SOS (25.5 degrees +/- 6.4 degrees); P<.01).Conclusions:The CTrach LMA and SOS rigid laryngoscope are effective, safe alternatives to the GS video laryngoscope for patients undergoing elective cervical surgery.