Evaluation of Glottic Visualization and Ease of Intubation at Induction of General Anesthesia

Abstract

Aim: To compare the frequency of better glottic visualization and ease of tracheal intubation in Macintosh versus McCoy blades. Study design: An observational analytical study. Settings: Department of Anesthesia, Lahore Medical and Dental College/Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore. Study duration: Six months (2nd September 2017 to 1st March 2018) Methods: After approval from research, education and clinical audit department, we selected 60 patients for elective procedures under general anesthesia of age ranges from 20-40 years including both males and females. Patients were randomized by lottery method into two groups I & II. Laryngoscopy was performed with McCoy in group I and with Macintosh in group II and the best possible view of the glottis was obtained. After achieving best possible glottis view of each patient, vocal cord visualization was determined according to Grade-I to IV. Ease of tracheal intubation was also noted. Results: The demographic data was comparable in both groups. In this study, we have found better glottic visualization in 60.0% of patients with Macintosh blade (group II) and with McCoy blade (group I), it was 83.33% (p-value = 0.045). Ease of intubation was 73.33% with Macintosh blade (group II) and with McCoy blade (group I), it was 93.33% (p-value = 0.038). Conclusion: We concluded that frequency of better glottic visualization and ease of tracheal intubation with McCoy blade is higher as compared to Macintosh blade. Keywords: Endotracheal intubation, Glottic visualization, McCoy blades, Macintosh blades.