Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
GlideScope® vs flexible fibreoptic scope for elective intubation in obese patients.
We hypothesised that in obese patients, tracheal intubation with the GlideScope® would be advantageous compared with flexible fibreoptic intubation. Seventy-five anaesthetised obese patients were randomly assigned to oral intubation by either GlideScope or flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope. ⋯ Median (IQR [range]) time to intubation was 37 (25-48 [19-81]) s and 95% of the first attempts were successful with the GlideScope, vs 43 (35-58 [26-96]) s and an 86% first-attempt success rate with the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope. For experienced users, the time required to intubate the trachea in anaesthetised obese patients is similar with the GlideScope and a flexible bronchoscope.