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Background Many devices have been become widely available for managing difficult airways, including rigid fiberscopes and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes. The sensascope is different from the flexible fiberoptic in that it can be used with one hand (preferably the right hand) while the left hand is used to insert the laryngoscope as recommended by experienced users. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sensascope in the management of difficult airways in patients scheduled for head and neck cancer surgeries. Patients and methods This study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute on 60 patients. The patients were divided into two equal groups, group F (FOB) and group S (sensascopes), each comprising 30 patients. The following parameters were measured: patient characteristics including age, sex, weight, and ASA classification, airway assessment, hemodynamic changes, number of failures of intubation, duration of intubation, number of attempts, and complications that may occur during manipulation of the airway. Results The success rate of intubation and the number of failures were statistically comparable between the two groups. The mean time taken to complete successful intubation was significantly shorter in group F compared with group S. The number of patients successfully intubated at first attempt was significantly higher in group F than in group S. The number of patients successfully intubated at second attempt was significantly higher in group S than in group F. The number of patients who needed three attempts to be successfully intubated was statistically comparable between the two groups. There was statistically significant increase in pulse rate and mean arterial blood pressure immediately after successful intubation in group S compared with baseline and with group F. There was a significantly higher incidence of staining of the fiberscope blade with blood and transient change in voice in group S compared with group F. Conclusion The sensascope can be a valuable aid in the management of difficult intubation in a spontaneously breathing anesthetized patient, and should be added to backup devices in the event of difficult intubation. |
