OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of the Shikani Optical Stylet (SOS)-guided intubation through a new Intubating Laryngeal Airway (ILA) in anticipated difficult airways caused by scar contracture of the face and neck.

METHODSThirty-three adult patients with anticipated difficult airways undergoing selective faciocervical scar plastic surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. After anesthesia induction, a size 2.5, 3.5 or 4.5 ILA was inserted. Following good lung ventilation being verified, the SOS preloaded with an endotracheal tube was inserted via the ILA. Once the clear vocal cords came into view under the SOS, the endotracheal tube was advanced through glottis into the trachea.

RESULTSThe ILA provided an effective airway in all patients. Intubation was successful at the first attempt on 22/33(66.7%) occasions and at the second attempt on 6/33 (18.2%). Intubation failed in 5 (15.1%) patients who suffered from severe limitation of head extension due to scar contracture of the neck. These patients' tracheas were finally intubated using a fibreoptic bronchoscope via the ILA.

CONCLUSIONSThe SOS-guided intubating method via the ILA is a feasible technique in patients with scar contracture of the face and neck. However, in patients with severe limitation of head extension, the use of SOS cannot be recommended. The SOS can be used as an alternative apparatus when the fibreoptic bronchoscope is not available.