Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe unanticipated difficult intubation: rigid or flexible endoscope?
Unanticipated difficult intubation occurs with a frequency between 1.5% and 8.5%. The aim of this study was to compare the use of flexible versus rigid endoscopy in such a patient population, with respect to the preparation time and feasibility of each device. ⋯ Both endoscopic techniques enable quick and safe intubation. The Bonfils method could be the method of choice in cases of already relaxed patients with unanticipated difficult conventional laryngoscopy, presuming that the anaesthetist is familiar with this technique. Because the clinical re-evaluation for possible predictors of difficult intubation revealed no unknown new factors, the preoperative examination for anatomical peculiarities and being aware are the best protection against unanticipated intubation problems.