Rigid Telescopes, C-MAC, Flexible Bronchoscopy for Intubation in Patients With Anticipated Difficult Airways

Difficult airway management in phonomicrosurgery requiring endotracheal tube (ETT) placement is highly important for both the anesthetist and the surgeon. The use of rigid telescopes in the intubation of children with difficult intubation, such as those with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), has been previously described in the literature. In addition, the use of Airtraq™ and rigid endoscopes in patients undergoing phonomicrosurgery, particularly in patients with difficult laryngoscopy, has also been reported in the literature. However, the uses of these techniques have mostly been described in the administration of surgery or in defining airway disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of rigid telescopes during intubation, particularly in patients with a difficult airway, and to compare them with videolaryngoscope Macintosh (V-MAC) and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Inclusion criteria

Patients with a modified Cormack-Lehane (C-L) grade of 3 and 4, Wilson score of ≥ 6, Thyromental distance (TMD) distance of ≤ 6 cm, Sternomental distance (SMD) ≤ 13.

Exclusion criteria

Patients that had severe mouth opening (<2.5 cm), Required nasotracheal intubation, Upper airway and pharyngeal diseases, Presence of cervical spine anomalies, Emergency procedures, Failed mask ventilation, ASA III and IV score, Patients who were allergic to any of the drugs to be used during premedication and anesthesia.