A comparison of Glidescope® video laryngoscope with Macintosh direct laryngoscope for tracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization: A prospective randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: Airway management in patients
who were suspected cervical spine injury, usually
required cervical immobilization during intubation.
This may associated with difficult or failure of
intubation. Objectives: To compare the first attempt
successful intubation between Glidescope®video
laryngoscope (GVL) and Macintosh direct
laryngoscope (DL) with manual in-line stabilization.
Methods: Seventy-two patients who scheduled for
surgery were randomized into 2 groups, using either
DL or GVL for intubation with manual in-line
stabilization. Successful first attempt intubation,
laryngoscopic views and intubating times were
recorded. Results: There was no different between
DL and GVL regarding to the first attempt successful
intubation (p=0.614). GVL significantly provided
better laryngoscopic view than DL (p<0.001).
The mean (+SD) intubation time with GVL was
significantly longer when compare to DL 47.28
(±11.19) seconds versus 38.20(±10.81) seconds,
respectively (p =0.001). Conclusion: Successful
first attempt intubation with GVL and DL showed
no difference. But with GVL technique provided
better laryngoscopic view compared to DL, at the
expense of longer intubating time.