Effect of C-MAC Video Laryngoscope-aided intubations Using D-Blade on Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Sore Throat

Background Video laryngoscope-aided intubations require less force to align oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal planes to visualize the glottis opening during intubation. Aim The primary objective of the study was to assess the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients who were intubated with C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-blade versus traditional Macintosh laryngoscope. Settings and Design This prospective, randomized, open label study was conducted in a tertiary care institution. Subjects and Methods A total of 130 patients undergoing short elective laparoscopic surgeries lasting <2 h were recruited. All patients received general anesthesia as per a standardized protocol. Laryngoscopy was performed using traditional Macintosh laryngoscope in Group M and with Storz® C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-Blade in Group V. The endotracheal tube cuff pressure was maintained at 20-22 cm of H2O intraoperatively. Statistical Analysis Used Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Independent sample t-test were used in this study. Results As compared to Group M, number of patients who had POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough was significantly low in Group V at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. Severity, as well as the incidence of all these symptoms, showed a downward trend in both groups with time. Significantly more number of patients in Group M required rescue therapy for POST (44.6% as compared to 7.7%, P < 0.001). Conclusion C-MAC video laryngoscope-aided intubations using D-blade significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough following orotracheal intubation as compared to use of traditional Macintosh laryngoscope.