To compare the efficacy of the between-the-fingers grip with the conventional pen-holding grip to hold an endotracheal tube for orotracheal intubation: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background and Aims: Correctly holding the endotracheal tube (ETT) is essential for successful tracheal intubation. The study’s primary objective was to compare the between-the-fingers grip with the conventional pen-holding grip regarding the number of attempts required for orotracheal intubation and usage of external aids. Methods: Three hundred patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomised according to the method to hold the ETT to Group C (conventional grip) and Group M (modified, between-the-fingers grip) during oro-tracheal intubation. A designated anaesthetist blinded to the groups performed laryngoscopy in all the patients, and difficult Cormack-Lehane grade 3b and 4 (n = 24) were excluded. Then, the group was revealed to the anaesthetist, and intubation was done accordingly; the number of attempts, use of backward upward rightward pressure (BURP), and time taken were noted. The sample size was estimated using the software G*Power version 3.1.9.2. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 23 (SPSS-23, IBM, Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: Single-attempt intubation was comparable between the groups (99.3% versus 97.2%, P = 0.197). In contrast, the external assistance as BURP (0.75% versus 6.99%, P = 0.009) and the time taken for intubation (P = 0.008) were reduced in group M significantly. Conclusion: The between-the-fingers grip seems as effective as the standard grip to hold the ETT during intubation. However, it proved to be better as it can reduce the requirement for external assistance in BURP.