Comparaison of effectiveness of flexible intubation fibersocope versus bonfils fiberoscope in tracheal intubation of paediatrics with midfacial hypoplasia

Abstract

Background Airway management is one of the fundamental skills of an anesthesiologist. When compared to adult patients, the pediatric patients have notable anatomical and physiological variations. These variations affect the methods and equipment the anesthesiologist will select to provide safe airway management.Purpose The purpose of the study aimed to compare the effectiveness of first intubation attempt while utilizing flexible intubation fiberoscope versus Bonfils fiberoscope in tracheal intubation of pediatrics with midfacial hypoplasia. Also, to estimate time to first intubation attempt, time to endotracheal insertion and to assess the occurrence of complications.Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted over 30 children (aged 6 month up to 5 years) with midfacial hypoplasia planned to undergo elective surgery while under general anesthesia. The children were categorized in random to two equal groups: group I intubation was with Karl Storz flexible intubation fiberoscope 3.7 mm via AirQ-ILA, while group II intubation was with Storz Bonfils fiberoscope 3.5 mm. Success of first attempt of intubation, time to first attempt of intubation, time to endotracheal insertion, number of intubation attempt, complications were recorded.Results No notable variations were observed in the success of first attempt of intubation between the two groups. The time to first attempt of intubation and the time to endotracheal tube insertion were significantly less in group II than in group I where p > 0.001. Regarding the number of intubation attempt and the occurrence of complications, the two groups did not significantly differ from one another where p = 1.000.Conclusion The Bonfils fiberoscope and the flexible intubation fiberoscope are both appropriate tools for intubating pediatrics with midfacial hypoplasia. However, Bonfils fiberoscope was superior with regard to the time to first attempt of intubation and the time to endotracheal tube insertion.

Keywords

• Flexible intubation fiberoscope
• Bonfils fiberoscope
• pediatrics
• midfacial hypoplasia