ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the Macintosh and Truview EVO2 laryngoscope during intubation in adult patients undergoing cervical disc surgery with neck immobilization using cervical collar.

After obtaining the approval of the ethics committee, and written informed consent of the patients, 80 ASA I, II, III patients who would undergo cervical disc surgery were allocated randomly into two groups. After cervical collar placement, patients were intubated either Truview EVO2 or Macintosh laryngoscopes. Patients’ thyromental distance, Wilson, Mallampati and Cormack Lehane scores, duration of intubations, the number of intubation attempts, unsuccessful intubations, dental and lip injuries were noted.

While the Cormack Lehane scores were significantly lower (p<0.00001), duration of intubations and the number of intubation attempts were significantly higher in Truview EVO2 group (respectively, p<0.001 ve p<0.01). Two patients were not intubated by Truwiev laryngoscope, therefore cervical collar was removed and intubation was performed by Macintosh laryngoscope.

Although Truview EVO2 laryngoscope provides a better view of vocal cords and glottis, since it does not facilitate intubation process, Truview EVO2 is not an alternative to Macintosh laryngoscope in cervical immobilized patients.

Keywords: Intubation, laryngoscope, Macintosh, Truview EVO2