Effectiveness of Fiberoptic Intubation in Anticipated Difficult Airway

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of firbreoptic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airway. Methods: Forty patients of both sexes were included in the study. The patients were informed about the procedure in the preoperative visit. After one mg of midazolam and 0.2 mg of glycopyrrolate, local anesthesia of the upper airway, nasal cavity and trachea was achieved with lignocaine. Xylometazoline nasal spray was used for vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa. After achieving anesthesia of the airway fibreoptic scope was introduced through the nose into the trachea. Endotracheal tube was railroaded over the scope into the trachea. Results: Intubation rate was 100%. The most common complication observed was that of nasal trauma and other minor complications like coughing and gagging or misplacement of the tracheal tube were also observed. Conclusion: Fiberoptic intubation in anticipated difficult airway was found to be safe, effective and highly successful. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:82-84).