Randomized Study Comparing the Sniffing Position with the Neutral Position for Lightwand Intubation.
10.4097/kjae.2008.54.1.25
- Author:
Jung Kook SUH
1
;
Nam Woo KIM
;
Woo Jae JEON
;
Jong Hoon YEOM
;
Woo Jong SHIN
;
Kyoung Hun KIM
;
Sang Yun CHO
Author Information
1. Deparment of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. chosy@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
lightwand;
neutral position;
sniffing position
- MeSH:
Humans;
Hydrodynamics;
Imidazoles;
Intubation;
Laryngoscopy;
Mouth;
Nitro Compounds;
Prospective Studies;
Railroads;
Spine
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2008;54(1):25-29
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The sniffing position is recommended for optimal glottic visualization under direct laryngoscopy. However, there is no study assessing whether sniffing position is superior to a neutral position during lightwand-guided intubation. This prospective, randomized study was performed to compare facilitation of lightwand-guided intubation between the sniffing and neutral positions. METHODS: The study included 180 patients with normal cervical spines requiring tracheal intubation for elective surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: neutral or sniffing position. Mallampati class, mouth opening distance, thyromental distance, and laryngeal view grade were measured. A lightwand railroaded with an endotracheal tube was bent 90degrees at 5 cm from the distal end for both groups. Time to intubation, success rate and intubation time for the first attempt, hydrodynamic changes, and BIS values were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in time to intubation, success rate and intubation time of the first trial, hydrodynamic changes, or BIS values between the two positions. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of the sniffing position does not provide any advantage over the neutral position during lightwand-guided intubation.
