Shortened Uncuffed Endotracheal Tube as a Nasopharyngeal Airway in Training in Fiberoptic Intubation

Background: Fiberoptic intubation is an effective technique for establishing airway access in patients with critical airways. Objective: It was hypothesized that the learning of oral fiberoptic intubation by the anesthesia resident trainee is easier and safe using modified nasopharyngeal airway. Methodology: This prospective randomized study was done on 62 adult patients with normal airway scheduled for elective oral fiberoptic intubation, their age 20 -60 years, 56 males and 6 females, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III class. After institute ethical committee clearance and written informed consent, patients were randomly divided into two groups of 31 each; Group I: oral fiberoptic intubation was carried out using lingual traction. In group II, FOI was carried out using lingual traction plus a shortened uncuffed nasal endotracheal tube (modified nasopharyngeal airway). Time taken to successful tracheal intubation and other technical parameters were recorded. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension, and any associated complications were also recorded.