Objective: The aim was to compare the hemodynamic parameters, intubation times, upper airway trauma and postoperative sore throat scores of the patients with normal airway anatomy, intubated with the Airtraq, Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope, by experienced anesthesiologists.
Methods: Ninety patients, scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups (n = 30): Group A: Airtraq laryngoscope, Group M: Macintosh laryngoscope and Group FB: fiberoptic bronchoscope. The time to intubation and success rates were recorded. The hemodynamic parameters before and one minute after the anesthesia induction were recorded and the measurements were repeated 3, 4 and 5 minutes after the endotracheal intubation. The postoperative sore throat scores and signs of any trauma were also recorded.
Results: Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between the three groups. The mean intubation time interval did not differ between groups. Highest postoperative sore throat scores were recorded at the 6th hour post extubation. The scores were 37.6 +/- 20.9 in Group A, 13.3 +/- 16.8 in Group M and 13.6 +/- 14.0 in Group FB. The scores in Group A were significantly higher compared to other groups. The number of patients requiring additional analgesia to relieve sore throat was also significantly higher in Group A.
Conclusion: The Airtraq laryngoscope seems to be a more traumatic airway device in the routine endotracheal intubation compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope, when used by experienced anesthesiologists. It also does not offer advantage over the first-attempt success rates, the intubation times and hemodynamic parameters.