• Takashi Noguchi, Kazunori Koga, Yousuke Shiga, and Akio Shigematsu.
• Department of Anesthesia, Chikuho Rosai Hospital, Kaho-gun, Japan.
• Can J Anaesth. 2003 Aug 1;50(7):712-7.

PurposeTo compare the ease of tracheal intubation facilitated by the gum elastic bougie or the malleable stylet while applying cricoid pressure.MethodsSixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III adult patients undergoing elective surgeries participated in this study. After induction of anesthesia with 2.5 mg x kg(-1) propofol and vecuronium 0.1 mg x kg(-1), the laryngeal view was assessed without and with cricoid pressure. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups: a gum elastic bougie or stylet group. One of the two devices was used for tracheal intubation while applying cricoid pressure. The duration and ease of tracheal intubation was recorded.Main ResultsIn 58 patients, the trachea was intubated at the first attempt. In the stylet group, tracheal intubation was difficult and needed more time, especially when the glottic opening was not visible. In the bougie group, the duration and ease of intubation was not influenced by laryngeal view. In the remaining two patients with Cook's modified 3b laryngeal view, it was impossible to intubate the trachea with these devices.ConclusionsApplying cricoid pressure worsened laryngeal view. The use of a gum elastic bougie was more effective than the use of a stylet to facilitate intubation.

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